I have a troubled relationship with CBC which my taxes help pay for and I choose to read their news and listen to both their radio and their podcasts.  I, as many other Jewish people, know that CBC is anti- Israel which often crosses the line and lands on antisemitism. However, I still choose to listen partially because I enjoy learning about Canada, the world and people in general. When there is an article, news report or podcast about the Middle East, I always hold my breath. I continue to read or listen because I know that the Israeli- Palestinian situation is fraught with complexities and bias on both sides. I whole heartedly believe that Israel has a right to exist, but I don’t always agree with the Israeli Government’s actions.  I know that life in Gaza for Palestinians is incredibly difficult. I want to learn and understand so I listen and read on.

This weekend however was different. The Hamas terrorist attack of Israeli civilians – was nothing other than a terrorist attack. There are no words for what we all saw on TV and on-line including the indiscriminate killing, murder, beheading of babies, teenagers and holocaust survivors. Everyone knows that Israel would and would have to respond, so the profound civilian death and destruction on Gaza was also eminent.

But George Achi, CBC Director of Journalist Standards sent out an email to its staff: “Do not refer to (Hamas) militants, soldiers, or anyone else as terrorist…’

So why does the CBC not label Hamas as a terrorist organization? The Canadian government did. Canadian, federal, provincial and municipal politicians did.   Why did I listen to a podcast in which the guest was describing the horrific murders, kidnappings and carnage but she was obviously not allowed to label the Hamas terrorist as terrorist? Why is my daughter who teaches at a Jewish school, dealing with her students’ anxiety about going to school on Friday because Hamas has called for a ‘“day of mobilization” for all Muslims to rise up and attack Jews and Jewish institutions? Why is Hamas not called a terrorist organization by the CBC? 

Because CBC is antisemitic!

This is formal request for CBC to label Hamas as a terrorist organization.