His Excellency Alan Baker
Ambassador of Israel in Ottawa
50 O'Connor Street, Suite 1005
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6L2
Fax: (613) 237-8865

April 21, 2008

Dear Ambassador:

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE is saddened by the death of Reuters' cameraman Fadel Subhi Shana'a who was killed by shelling from Israeli military forces on April 16, 2008, while he was filming near Gaza's border with Israel, southeast of Gaza City. His assistant Wafa Abu Mezyed, who was standing close by, was also injured in the attack.

The media workers covering events in the Gaza Strip were shot while filming a tank about 1500 metres away from them. They were carrying cameras at the time, and were clearly identified as journalists with a press sign displayed on their sport utility vehicle. Fadel Subhi Shana'a was wearing a flak jacket with "PRESS" printed in large blue and white letters on the front.

CJFE is extremely concerned by what appears to be targeting of journalists. We urge your government to ensure that all journalists are free to carry out their work, as protected by the 'Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War'. CJFE calls for a full and independent investigation to be carried out and that the results are made public.

We thank you for your attention and look forward to your reply.

Yours Sincerely,

Arnold Amber, President

CC: The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada
His Excellency Jon Allen, Ambassador of Canada in Tel Aviv