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January 23, 2004
Miracle defends controversial article
Paper's editor feels that Canadian Jewish Congress has overreacted,
with sad results.
NUSRAT HUSSAIN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
According to Islamic belief, Prophet Ishaq (peace be upon him)
was son of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) and Hazrat Sara. Prophet Ismael
(PBUH) was also the son of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) but from a different
mother, Hazrat Hajra, which means that Prophet Ismael (PBUH) and
Prophet Ishaq (PBUH) were half brothers. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
inheritably is connected with Hazrat Ismael and Prophet Moses (PBUH)
is connected with Prophet Ishaq (PBUH). If all the Muslims consider
each other brothers and all the Jews believe likewise, then Muslims
and Jews end up as half brothers and sisters to each other. The
relation is established, with an added pinch of harmony among the
half brothers at this stage. Rest assured, it will be extended to
all children of Adam and Eve as we move forward in time.
"Bringing harmony to all the communities," as posted on
the masthead of the Miracle points towards the same philosophy.
But harmony cannot be sustained for long, unless it is cemented
with the hard and solid bricks of truth. The intention of promoting
love on the foundation of truth is made clear from the beginning
of this editorial and I will take pains not to depart from it.
The article "It wasn't Arabs," by Edgar J. Steele, was
published in the Dec. 19 Miracle. It was sent by a regular
reader and was considered for publication because it also carried
an anti-Arab statement at the beginning of the piece. While the
article contained nasty remarks on Arabs in the first paragraph,
Steele's anti-Jewish content overshadowed it. Its publication was
intended to present both sides of the coin so that someone from
the Jewish or the Muslim community could respond to the article
in a befitting manner so that none would dare to write such things
in the future.
I have had similar letters published against us in the Miracle
before and it helped in introducing some fresh air, when responded
to intellectually by our readers and the editors. The rule for the
war-game of words restricts the players on the battlefield of media
to exposing the liar, which could be Steele in this case. It is
unfair to use other tactics to suffocate the truth-teller. It is
here that I rest my case for freedom of speech.
Unfortunately, the article was considered to violate the anti-hate
provisions of the Criminal Code and Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC)
asked for an investigation into the matter. Upon the first call
to the Miracle, the Jewish contact was assured the publication
of a rebuttal, if they so desired. It was sad that they did not
accept the offer and chose to proceed with the RCMP investigation;
a right they enjoy under the Constitution of Canada and a right
that must be respected.
At the same time, there was continuous interest shown in the Miracle
from the media nationwide. I would like to thank the mainstream
media for presenting both sides' point of view and for maintaining
freedom of speech – a virtue we still enjoy in Canada for the
time being. However, the coverage contributed more to harm our business
and brought slander, harassment and defamation for us.
With all of the attention, the Miracle team came under immense pressure
from friends, who were deeply shocked and worried for us. I was
asked by influential people in the Muslim community to apologize
on the pretext that serious damage could be done to my business,
family and myself. My youngest daughter one night cried on my shoulder
for my safety.
There was an enormous scare put into the entire Muslim community
when CJC launched a police report against the Miracle for
an alleged "hate crime." This was evident from the actions
of B.C. Muslim Association president Daud Ismail, who banned the
Miracle's distribution from BCMA mosques and offered an apology
to the Jewish community. I was glad to hear that apology from Daud,
as it can promote better relations between the Muslim and Jewish
communities, if he has offered it sincerely.
The scare was not restricted to the Muslim community alone, as MP
Joe Peschisolido removed his advertisement from the paper. Some
other regular advertisers have also taken out their ads and we have
lost business. As well, Sen. Mobina Jaffar (she always honors me
by calling herself my sister) has decided not to write for us anymore
because of the pressure she has received.
When the article was published, it was thought that some intellectual
from the Jewish or the Muslim community would deliver a befitting
response. It is sad to mention that, with perhaps the exception
of Pete McMartin of the Vancouver Sun, there has been no
such response. But I am confident about the richness of the Jewish
community regarding intellectuals, and that sooner or later someone
will emerge to deal with such issues in an honorable and justified
manner that will be acceptable to all people of reason.
During most reactions of such nature, we redefine matters according
to our own desires and overstep some boundaries. My dear half brothers
and sisters of Canadian Jewish Congress, I feel that you have overreacted,
and herein I have offered my explanation. May I have yours?
Nusrat Hussain is chief editor of the Miracle.
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