Scrolls, Circling and Hostage Posters: My Visit to a Simchat Torah Service as a Muslim

A Muslim author shares her experience attending a Simchat Torah service at a conservative synagogue in Toronto, reflecting on the cultural and religious practices observed. The service included traditional Jewish rituals such as hakafot and aliyah, and highlighted the community's challenges with declining attendance. The author notes the presence of Israeli hostage posters, sparking thoughts on the differing expressions of solidarity within Jewish and Muslim communities in Canada. The visit underscores the common humanity shared across faiths and prompts the author to further explore interfaith understanding.

From interviewing Arafat to fending off Israeli settlers, Walid Batrawi reflects on a lifetime reporting from Palestine

Walid Batrawi, a seasoned Palestinian journalist, reflects on his career reporting from Palestine, highlighting personal experiences and the challenges faced by journalists in the region. He recounts significant events, such as interviewing Yasser Arafat and covering the Oslo Accords, while emphasizing the importance of accurate media representation and understanding both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Batrawi, now residing in Toronto, continues to work as a media consultant and trainer, advocating for a deeper understanding of the region's history and current affairs among journalists.

One Year After Oct. 7: Five People Share Their Story of Loss and Pain

The article reflects on the impact of the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza. It shares personal stories from individuals affected by the conflict, including a social worker in Israel, a displaced student in Gaza, a grieving mother in Montreal, a journalist in Cairo, and a physician advocating for Palestinian rights. The narratives highlight the profound loss, displacement, and ongoing struggles faced by those involved, emphasizing the need for peace and understanding amidst the ongoing conflict.

Is Britain struggling to cope with a world it created?

The article discusses recent far-right protests in the UK and Ireland, fueled by misinformation and anti-immigrant sentiment. It highlights the role of social media in spreading disinformation and the economic contributions of immigrants to the UK. Counter-protests advocating for inclusion and unity are also noted. The text criticizes far-right figures like Andrew Tate and Tommy Robinson and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking to combat systemic injustice.

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh: Perspectives from Iraq, Syria and Bahrain

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a key political leader of Hamas, by Israel in Iran has significant geopolitical implications. The event disrupts ceasefire negotiations and exacerbates tensions in the region, with various Arab governments responding differently. The assassination is seen as a desperate move by Israel, facing international criticism and internal challenges. The text highlights the complex dynamics involving regional powers like Iran, Hezbollah, and Arab governments, and underscores the broader implications for the Israel-Palestine conflict.

From Karbala to Palestine

The article draws parallels between the historical Battle of Karbala and the current conflict in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing struggle against injustice. It discusses the significance of Ashura for Shia Muslims and the resonance of Husayn's resistance with the current situation in Gaza. The text criticizes Israeli actions and the support they receive from the U.S. and E.U., while emphasizing the moral responsibility to resist injustice. It also highlights the role of activists and politicians who stand against oppression.

BeYOUtiful: Helping girls feel confident in an airbrushed world

British author and advertising executive Shelina Janmohamed's book BeYOUtiful aims to help young girls feel confident in a world dominated by airbrushed images and social media pressures. Inspired by her daughters, the book challenges conventional beauty standards and promotes self-love by highlighting unique beauty traits and the stories our bodies tell. Janmohamed emphasizes the importance of understanding the curated nature of social media images and the impact of increased screen time on youth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book is part of Janmohamed's broader effort to amplify women's voices and experiences.

Western double standard on display after Israel and Iran exchange strikes

The article critiques Western foreign policy, highlighting perceived double standards in the response to Israeli and Iranian military actions. It argues that Western powers, including Canada, exhibit bias by condemning Iranian actions while showing leniency towards Israeli actions, despite similar circumstances. The piece underscores the asymmetrical nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict and questions the lack of accountability for Israel's actions, suggesting that Western media and political leaders are influenced by implicit biases. The article calls for a reevaluation of these policies and a more balanced approach to Middle Eastern conflicts.

Canadian newsrooms are stifling Palestinian perspectives

Journalists in Canadian newsrooms are facing a pattern of anti-Palestinian bias, with story ideas about Palestinians being rejected or pulled without clear reasons. This has led to a lack of context and deeper analysis in the coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Arab Canadian Lawyers Association notes that Palestinian rights and perspectives are often excluded from mainstream media. Instances of editorial bias and false equivalences in reporting have been criticized, and there is concern over the impact this coverage has on public perception and violence against Palestinians in North America. The article also highlights the silence of journalism organizations in the face of Palestinian journalist casualties in the conflict.

One Year, Five Stories

The article, published by La Converse, explores the profound impact of October 7th, 2023, through the reflections of five individuals. It emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in a polarized society, while highlighting the challenges faced in gathering diverse perspectives, particularly from Lebanon. The narrative underscores the universal nature of pain and aims to broaden understanding across different communities.