There have been demonstrations supporting Palestinian hman rights in favour of Palestine EVERY WEEK since Oct 7^th in many Canadian cities. But in addition to going to a demonstration, what else can we do to help Palestinians in Gaza? Here are 10 practical suggestions. Read more…

Recent survey data show that while public opinion is swinging in favour of the Palestinians, Canadians are still divided on whether they should support Israel or the Palestinians. If we want the Canadian government to stand up for human rights for Palestinians, we need to change the way millions of Canadians understand the Israel/Palestine conflict.

A lot of good work is already being done by organizations like Independent Jewish Voices Canada, CJPME, some Palestinian Canadian organizations, and even some church groups.

But what can we as individuals do? We can play an important role by finding ways to engage with friends, neighbours, workmates, and fellow students and start the process of reframing the whole conversation in Canada about Israel/Palestine.

The challenge facing us

The biggest challenge is finding a way to start a conversation. Most Canadians would prefer to avoid talking about Israel/Palestine because its contentious and emotional. They sense danger or friction.

But that is where we need to show our courage and principle. We know that we are promoting justice. We know that we are not antisemitic. And we also know that if we don’t find a way to talk about Israel’s seven decades long ethnic cleansing of Palestine, and in particular its current genocidal attack on Gaza, Canadian opinion won’t change.

Here are ten ways you can help start that important conversation.

1. Wear in public some sign of your sympathy for the Palestinian cause. It does not have to be big or loud. It can be as noticeable as a Kuffieh or as small as a lapel button that says “Palestine” or “end the occupation”. But you want people to know what where your heart is without being so aggressive it pushes people away. Listen to see what people say.

2. Put a sign on your front lawn or in your window. It can say ‘end the bombing” or “free Palestine” or just be a Palestinian flag. Lots of people have Ukrainian flags in their front window. Why not a Palestinian flag? If you put up a sign, take the opportunity to tell your immediate neighbours why you are doing that.

4. Sign a petition or a pre-written letter. There are several examples from CJPME, NCCM, Oxfam, etc. etc. Adding your name to a petition is an easy way to raise the pressure. Tell your friends you have done so.

5. Find a safe way to express to your co-workers what you are feeling inside. This is delicate because you don’t want to cause animosity at the work site. Perhaps you might want to put a small Palestinian flag on your desk (or even a paper watermelon) or speak privately to one or two friends, or your union representative. Feel free to share the emotional stress you are experiencing and ask for their help. If you are in the federal public service, there is already a support group for Palestinian/arab/Muslim public servants.

3. Write an email to the prime minister with a copy to your own MP. (Your MP’s address is easy – First name (dot) last name (at) parl.gc.ca just like the Prime Minister’s.) (e.g.justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca).) You don’t need to write a long email. All it needs to say is “Please support Palestinian rights”.

That’s enough. MP’s don’t have time to read your arguments. But they do keep tabs on how many letters they get. And copy as many of your friends as you can. If your MP is swamped with hundreds of emails, s/he will take notice.

6. Make a direct charity donation. If you don’t already know an organization you trust, donate to a reputable organization like Islamic Relief, or UNRWA. Dont be shy about telling people that you are doing so. If you are asked at the supermarket to give to another cause, you can tell them that you already donate to starving Palestinians.

7. Ask for a meeting with your child’s teacher or principal. If your child is stressed, ask for a private meeting to express your concerns, or those of your children. You don’t need to try to convince them to support Palestine, .. just that you are concerned and want the school to understand your stress.

8. Raise the issue of Palestine in your professional association. If you are a nurse or doctor, raise the issue of Israel’s deliberate starvation of Palestinians. Israel has destroyed Gaza’s health care system, killing over 300 health care workers, and destroying dozens of hospitals and clinics. If you are a lawyer, join with the lawyers who are bringing Canada to court for complicity in murder. If you are a teacher…. etc. Find a way to talk about Palestine/Gaza in a way that links to the work and preoccupations of your association.

9. Make a donation or join any one of the many Canadian human rights organizations which are working hard to press for an end to Canadian support for Israeli crimes. These include Independent Jewish Voices, Amnesty International Canada, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East and the National Council of Canadian Muslims. If you do so, encourage your friends to consider it too.

10. Organize a silent vigil. You don’t need a big demonstration. A silent vigil for a couple of hours in a public spot can be effective in raising the issue.

These are just suggestions of some of the ways to gently but firmly raise the issue of Palestine and Palestinian rights. To get into Canadian consciousness that Palestine and Palestinians are being unjustly treated. What they want is not unfair.

Of course, we need to do it cautiously and be prepared for some push back. You might even get harsh words from people who don’t understand. But remember that most of those who support Israel think they are supporting justice and human rights based on the information they have been provided. We need to find a way to allow them to hear another perspective.

Finally, remember that you won’t change anyone’s mind in one conversation. It will take many patient conversations. But if we don’t start speaking up now, change will take that much more time.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

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