Month: February 2015

Israel Lobby demonstrates its clout on Parliament Hill
parliament

The Canadian Parliament has 308 members. About 40 participated in a special “take note” debate on the “world wide rise in antisemitism” on February 24th orchestrated by MP’s Irwin Cotler and Jason Kenney.

The Canadian House of Commons held a special 3 ½ hour late night debate on Tuesday, February 24th  focusing on “the troubling rise in antisemitism around the world”, winding up with a unanimous resolution of condemnation. The debate was proposed by Liberal MP Irwin Cotler and Conservative Minister Jason Kenney, supported by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the main Israel lobby group. What was the real objective of the debate and how important was it? (more…)

Report from Kairos Conference in Bethlehem: an interview with Father Robert Assaly

robert assaly head shot

The Rev. Robert Assaly was ordained an Anglican priest 23 years ago in Ottawa. In 1992 he was sent to be the Director of the Middle East Council of Churches’ Jerusalem office. While there he was appointed Anglican Vicar of Gaza, returning to Canada after three years. He has been a member of the Church’s Middle East Working Group since the late-80s, and is Chair of Canadian Friends of Sabeel (CFOS). I interviewed him after his return from the Kairos Conference in Bethlehem, held in December 2014.

(more…)

Will Baird’s resignation make a difference in Canada’s policy toward Israel/Palestine?
baird and lieberman

One of John Baird’s last acts as foreign minister was to sign a MOU with Avigdor Lieberman, committing both countries to fight the BDS movement. Will Baird’s resignation significantly change Canada’s foreign policy toward the Middle East? Perhaps, but I don’t think so. Read why.

(more…)