For the second time in four years, people from across Canada met to discuss strategies for developing support for human rights for Palestinians. Following up on the first BDS conference held in Montreal in 2010, this meeting of nearly 200 activists, educators and concerned citizens took place in Ottawa as one “stream” of the massive People’s Social Forum. There was a feeling that another significant step had been made.
See my report below: (more…)
I was asked by a friend if she could use my blog as a platform to offer her apology, as a Canadian Jew, to Gazans and Palestinians, for what Israel is doing to them in the name of Judaism. I am honoured to oblige. See her moving text below.
Israeli soldiers wearing prayer shawls on their way to battle in Gaza
See my remarks to a demonstration, Sunday August 17th (more…)
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish (“The Gaza Doctor”) proposed that Canada bring 100 badly injured Palestinian children to Canada for urgent medical treatment. His proposal was quickly supported by Ontario hospitals, health care workers and even the Ontario government. But permission has been denied by the Harper government, saying its “too risky”. But risky for whom? Read the rest of the post here.
Dr. Rex Brynen is one of Canada’s leading experts on the issue of Palestinian refugees
Last week, after yet another UN facility was bombed in Gaza, killing many civilians, I interviewed Dr. Rex Brynen. I asked him about the role of UNRWA (the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees).
Professor Brynen, of McGill University, is a Middle East specialist, and has become one of Canada’s leading experts on the issue of the Palestinian refugees. He is co-editor and contributor, with Roula El-Rifai of “The Palestinian Refugee Problem: The Search for Resolution”. London: Pluto Books, 2013.
The interview follows: (more…)
Canada Talks Israel/Palestine 