Canada: CFWIJ Condemns Anti-Semitic Messages To Abigail Bimman

Location: Canada, Ottawa
Date: February 4, 2022

Journalist Abigail Bimman has been on the receiving end of a vile, anti-semitic campaign targeting her through her email as well as through social media platforms. The journalist took to her Twitter accounts to highlight the anti-semitic nature of the messages she is being targeted with. It is not apparent what led to the attacks against their person, in particular. However, it is no surprise that the digital space has become hostile towards women journalists right after right wing politician Maxime Bernier tweeted a provocative message targeting the Canadian press community. The move that has historically led to journalists receiving hateful backlash from his support base.

Abigail took to Twitter to call out members of the community who believed that the campaign against her was not charged with anti-semitic sentiments. She shared the screenshot of an email that was abusive in nature, targeting her faith as well as professional credibility. Mercedes Stephenson, who herself was targeted in a campaign of a similar nature, came out in support of her colleague acknowledging the overt anti-semitism in the messages she received.

Oh, here’s a lovely email for those arguing there aren’t antisemitic tones. pic.twitter.com/p1fn8O5ZnP

— Abigail Bimman (@AbigailBimman) February 2, 2022

This email is what antisemitism looks like.

Abigail is an excellent journalist always searching for the truth. I am impressed by the nuance and careful research she puts into every story. She is accurate, balanced and thoughtful.

This hate is vile, debasing and disgusting. https://t.co/mWdCCoGlWX

— Mercedes Stephenson (@MercedesGlobal) February 3, 2022

Last year, a similar act by the politician led to over 20 women journalists being targeted through an organized hate campaign. They came forward, sharing screenshots of the abuse they received as a result of Bernier unjustifiably instigating his support base against the press. The journalists work for different organizations and cover different beats, and have been solely targeted with vile racist and sexist rhetoric. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends its complete support to Abigail Bimman and demands an investigation into the issue. The attacks appear to be coordinated and planned and the law enforcement authorities need to hold accountable whoever is responsible for it. We condemn the actions of Maxime Bernier whose reckless and insensitive tweets led to the entire press community feeling vulnerable to hate and threats. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.