Month: January 2022

Canada’s largest protestant church takes another cautious step towards a principled critique of Israeli policy toward Palestinians
There are 2700 congregations of the United Church across Canada. In the past, the United Church has taken very strong positions on LGBT rights and on reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians. It has also been cautiously, but increasingly, critical of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians. It just took another step toward a principled critique of Israeli policy and practice toward the Palestinians. The Zionist lobby was quick to respond. Read more….
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Jewish American opinion on Israel is changing. Peter Beinart is one of the people leading the change.

A recent New York Times Magazine article discussed how many young American Jews are starting to rethink their views about Zionism and the State of Israel. Peter Beinart, an Orthodox Jew, is one of them. Formerly a well known supporter of the idea of a two state solution, he has changed his mind and has engaged in a public debate with fellow Jewish Americans over the basic idea of a “Jewish State”. CTIP speaks to Beinart about his changing views, and how he approaches a very difficult conversation. Read more.

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Next Israeli Prime Minister has just ruled out any negotiations with Palestinians – what will Canada say or do now?
The Canadian government still claims to believe in a two state solution based on negotiations. But Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has promised Israelis that when he becomes Prime Minister in August 2023, he will not negotiate with the Palestinians. So what will Canada do now? Will it dare register a voice of criticism of its “steadfast friend and close ally”? Will it apply any pressure on Israel? Read more.
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Once again the UN slams Israel for its treatment of Palestinians. Why does it focus so much on Israel?
The UN General Assembly, arguably the world’s most representative body, again slammed Israel in many resolutions debated last December. The votes were overwhelming. (Even Israel’s new “Abrahamic” friends joined in). Only the USA, Canada and a couple of other nations defended Israel. The UN has voted more resolutions against Israel than against any other country. Why? Is it anti-semitism? Hypocrisy? Or is there annother reason? Read more….
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