OFIP was invited to appear before the Senate Standing Committe on Human Rights which is undertaking a study on the rise of antisemitism in Canada. We told the Senate that we think that fears over antisemitism are overblown. Canadians are not antisemitic. But 2/3 of Canadians think that what Israel – a Jewish State – is doing in Gaza is “morally outrageous”. The Israel lobby is deliberately conflating opposition to the actions of Israel with antisemitism. Read our written submission and watch our 7 minute video.
OUR WRITTEN SUBMISSION – EXCERPTS
“It was not so long ago that antisemitism was culturally accepted, widely practiced and even administratively applied in Canada”, OFIP Chair Peter Larson told the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights in a submission on November 18th.
“As recently as the 40’s and ‘50’s Jews were still barred from the Rideau Club and many golf and country clubs. Jewish students had difficulty getting into medical schools, and Jewish doctors were denied residency in some hospitals. Jews who were barred from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto had to form their own sailing club.”
“However, in one generation between 1950 and 1980, all that radically changed. Antisemitism become culturally unacceptable, and even legally punished. After years of discrimination and exclusion, Canadian Jews began making contributions to every aspect of Canadian life – including politics, medicine, law, academe and the arts.
“But Canada does not exist in a global vacuum. Canadians are becoming increasingly aware of the actions of Israel, a Jewish State based on what Human Rights Watch calls “Jewish Supremacy”. Israeli Jews now overwhelmingly oppose the idea of a Palestinian State. The Government of Israel has shown itself willing to use extreme violence to expel or even exterminate any Palestinians who resist.
“Canadians, who have been told repeatedly that Israel is a western-type democracy interested in peace and a two-state solution, find this disturbing. They are repelled by Israel’s actions in Gaza and West Bank, which it claims to carry out in the name of Jews around the world. Two thirds of Canadians say they think what Israel is doing in Gaza is “morally outrageous”.
“The Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine is confident that the overwhelming majority of Canadians is neither antisemitic, nor opposed to Judaism nor hostile to Jews. But they are appalled by Israel’s horrific actions in Gaza and disappointed by anyone – Jewish or not – who tries to defend or justify them.”
The full text of our submission can be found HERE.
A 7 minute video of our presentation can be found HERE.
Canada Talks Israel Palestine is the weekly newsletter of the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine (OFIP). It aims to promote a serious discussion about Canada’s response to the 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.
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Canada Talks Israel/Palestine 
The submission downplays the reality of antisemitism in Canada, often by mischaracterizing legitimate concerns about antizionism and by erasing the clear link between anti-Jewish hatred and attacks on Israel’s right to exist. You are antizionist. 2/3rd of Canadians think you are a hateful person.
Hi Abdul,
Thanks for your comment. I am disappointed to learn that 2/3 of Canadians think I am a hateful person. I hope you are not one of them.
BTW, where did you get that figure?
My reference to 2/3 of Canadians thinking that Israel’s actions are “morally outrageous” came from a survey by Angus Reid in August.
You chose to focus on yourself – accused of being hated, while completely neglecting Abdul’s argument that you just downplayed antisemitism in Canada. That’s very egocentric of you. Your submission minimizes the lived experiences of Canadian Jews, ignoring the reality that anti-Israel agitation on campuses, in unions, and in the streets routinely manifests as harassment and intimidation of Jews, regardless of their views on Israeli policy. Antizionism is racism.
Hi Moshe,
Good point. I usually just delete ad hominem arguments. I should have done so with his attack on me. I am opposed to harassment and intimidation of Jews of course. But if Jews feel uncomfortable when people around them are criticizing Israel’s genocide, that is on them.
On the substantive point, I think everyone in the middle east – jews, christians and muslims – have the right to live in peace and security. I don’t support Israel’s claim to a right to exist as a Jewish State at the expense of others.
Well done Peter.
Robin
I agree, Robin. Well done Peter.
I, too, agree with you, Robin. And, on the basis of what Peter says in his submission to the Senate I don’t know how Moshe can say what he does .
Very good Peter. It is an excellent distinction between antisemitism and pointing out the atrocities Israel is doing to the Palestinians. Danielle
Peter here is censuring criticism of his hateful submission. Just saying.
Hey Arie, How is my submission hateful? I don’t hate Jews. I have many friends and i don’t know any who hate Jews.
Great presentation Peter. You nailed how I feel as well. Thank you.
Michaela
Once again, Peter, you do a masterful job in illustrating very clearly the great difference between being antisemitic and anti-zionist. What Israel is doing in Gaza and the west bank is truly morally reprehensible and should be condemned by Canada.