Seven days after the Hamas breakout and attack on Israeli soldiers and civilians, Israel’s revenge on the Palestinian population in Gaza shows no sign of slowing. Thousands have already been killed. Hundreds more are killed each day. Helpless civilians don’t know where to go. Israel is using deadly white phosphorus – with no concern for who it kills or injures – an internationally accepted war crime. In 2008, Israel’s deputy defence minister threatened Gazans with “an even bigger shoah” (holocaust). Fifteen years and four Israeli assaults later the threat seems ominous. What can Canadians do? Read more.

CTIP abhors the loss of civilian life on both sides of this conflict – Israeli and Palestinian. We firmly believe that a Jewish life is just as important as a Palestinian life, and vice versa. But the deaths of any number of of Israeli civilians a week ago, cannot be a justification for a vicious attack on two million trapped Palestinians today.

For some very quick background watch this short CNN video interview of Dr. Mustapha Barghouti, (and share it with your friends!!). CNN’s Fareed Sakaria does a good job of asking difficult questions about the conflict. (Note: this interview was done a day or two after the initial Hamas attack, just as Israel was beginning its massive assult on Gaza. Barghouti has since accepted new evidence that some Israeli civilians were killed last Saturday.)

The impending genocide in Gaza can be stopped, and should be stopped. Canadians can play a role. How? Make your views known. It’s easy to do. A short, simple letter to key people (copied to your friends) is enough. Urge our leaders to step up. Here are 5 suggested letters. Use them or write your own.

1. Write the Prime Minister (Justin.Trudeau@parl.gc.ca) with a copy to opposition leaders, your own MP, and your friends.)

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,

Canada claims to support human rights and international law. Canada should demand an immediate Israeli ceasefire and a resumption of humanitarian aid. The deaths of hundreds of Israeli civilians on October 7th, are not a justification for revenge killing of tens of thousands (perhaps even hundreds of thousands) of Palestinians. Once the bombing stops, Canada should press for an international conference on resolving the issues facing the Palestinian refugees, who have been stateless and impoverished for over 75 years.

2. Write to the Chief Editor of CBC News (brodie.fenlon@cbc.ca) immediately urging a more careful attention to the facts and sources.

Dear Mr. Fenlon, Editor in Chief of CBC News

I am one of many Canadians who rely on CBC for balanced information and careful insight on world affairs. I am concerned, however, that in the current highly charged emotion atmosphere around the Israel/Palestine issue, CBC may be allowing unverified allegations to pass as if they were factual without sufficient scrutiny.

Allegations that Hamas has beheaded babies were carried on The Current recently without being challenged. Those allegations have now been walked back by the Israeli military as CNN and other media have now reported. Similarly, some claims of rape and torture of civilians by Hamas militants have now been discredited. Experienced reporters know that everyone tries to spin the media. I count on CBC to assess its sources carefully, and make a sincere attempt to analyse the issues for us, without falling victim to one side or the other.

3. Write to the Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada (info@pco-bcp.gc.ca) indicating your surprise and indignation at his recent message urging all Canadian federal public servants to stand with Israel. (see: Clerk’s Message: Attack against Israel) Send a copy to any federal public servant you know – current or retired.

Mr. John Hannaford, Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada.

Dear Mr. Hannaford, Your recent email (Clerk’s Message: Attack against Israel) inviting all Canadian public servants to stand with Israel is an unprecedented violation of the Canadian tradition of a neutral non-political public service. The Israel-Palestine conflict is a highly political one, with significant loss of life over 75 years, overwhelmingly Palestinian. Do you propose to comment in the future on other international conflicts – Russia-Ukraine? Saudi Arabia – Yemen? Your directive is misguided and sets a dangerous precedent. If it came about as a result of pressure from the political level, I am afraid you have let down the public service. It goes without saying that it is also a callous slap in the face to the many loyal public servants who do not agree that Israel is a totally innocent victim. I urge you to recind it immediately.

4. Write to your Imam, Priest, Pastor or Rabbi

Dear (Pastor, Minister, Imam, Rabbi), I urge you to join the humanitarian call for an immediate ceasefire to the bombing on Gaza and for immediate discussions how to address urgent humanitarian needs of the impoverished and imprisoned Palestinian refugees in Gaza. Please include this call in your next sermon or newsletter to congregants. As people of faith, we can neither support wanton attacks on civilians, nor blood thirsty calls for revenge.

5. You can also add your name to any of several petitions that are already circulating, demanding that Canada stand up for human rights and stop being a cheerleader for Israel. One of these is from the National Council of Canadian Muslims, it can be found here. Another is from the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute.

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Canada Talks Israel Palestine (CTIP) is the weekly newsletter of Peter Larson, Chair of the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine (OFIP). It aims to promote a serious discussion in Canada about Canada’s response to the complicated and emotional Israel/Palestine issue with a focus on the truth, clear analysis and human rights for all. Readers with different points of view are invited to make comment.
Want to learn more about us? Go to Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine.ca