Human rights activists have tried everything from determined demonstrations to private meetings with politicians to get Canada to act. It is all useful. But we have not been able to convince Canadians or our politicians that Canada can and should do something to stop the genocide in Gaza. The Ottawa Forum on Israel Palestine invites you to a public meeting in Ottawa to discuss what we can and should do. Read more.….

“The genocide in Gaza is the moral issue of our time,” says Holocaust survivor and best selling author Gabor Mate M.D. Whoever says “genocide” has to act. By avoiding the word, we avoid responsibility.

Facing the greatest crime of the 21st century, The Ottawa Forum on Israel Palestine (OFIP) wants to increase the pressure on Prime Minister Carney to live up to our legal and moral responsibilities. We invite anyone in Ottawa to attend a public meeting on June 16th, 2025.

Instead of just “preaching to the choir”, the meeting aims to help “arm the choir” with knowledge and confidence. Three experts will help the audience better understand the issues involved and the challenges we face. If the meeting is successful, it will reinforce our confidence to act – to speak to our friends, to write letters, to lobby politicians. In short, to be able to increase pressure on our civic and political leaders to speak out and take action on this urgent issue.

The speakers

1. Iyas Salim, Adjunct professor, Carleton University – Dr. Salim grew up in Gaza where he still has both friends and family. He will share first hand information from Palestinians living the nightmare that Israel is inflicting on them and the options they face.
2. Peggy Mason, President Rideau Institute – A former Canadian ambassador, she will examine Canada’s legal obligations under international and humanitarian law. What responsibility does Canada have to put into effect decisions/judgements of the International Court of Justice, the UN Security council or the ICC. How well is Canada living up to its LEGAL obligations?
3. Senator Yuen Pau Woo – What are the contradictory pressures facing the Carney government? Is there an evolution in our government’s position, what are the debates, the pressures, and how can we can push forward to a stronger position? Why is the Canadian parliament so quick to say “genocide” in some cases, but so reluctant to do so in the face of overwhelming evidence from Gaza?

Cost?

There is no charge for the event. However, we gladly accept donations.

Registration?

You can register in advance by clicking on the QR code in the poster or using this link: https://bit.ly/4kAVSDa or at the door (if there is still room).

Free on site parking for about 100 cars. Carshare, come early or take OC transpo.