Author: Peter Larson

Is the two state solution dead? A thoughtful debate organized by the Middle East Study Group of the Canadian International Council

Recently the House of Commons Committee on Foreign Relations decided to undertake a review of Canada’s policy toward the Israel/Palestine question. Canada has made the idea of a “two state solution” a cornerstone of its policy. At the invitation of the Canadian International Council, Jon Allen former Canadian ambassador to Israel and Peter Larson, Chair of the Ottawa Forum on Israel Palestine expressed opposite views on whether a “two state solution” is still possible. Read more and watch the video of the discussion….

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Jewish US activist Mitchell Plitnick to speak at 15th Anniversary Conference of IJV Canada – June 17/18

Under the theme of anti-racist solidarity, Independent Jewish Voices Canada will hold a major conference in Toronto on June 16/17. It features a number of high profile speakers from Canada and elsewhere. CTIP spoke to Mitchell Plitnick, a leading American activist and one of the invited guests who will be in Toronto for the event. See the video interview with Plitnick below….

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Minister Joly is concerned over threats to the “rule of law” in Israel: but she should take a closer look at its existing practices

Last March, Canada’s foreign affairs minister Mme Melanie Joly assured Canadians she had pushed Israel to drop its planned reform of the judiciary, underscoring Canada’s support for the “rule of law”. But the case of Shadi Khouri, a 16 year old Palestinian in Jerusalem should raise questions about the ‘rule of law‘in Israel even before the proposed reforms. Read more…

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Canadian human rights advocates launch “cross sector initiative” to pressure Canadian government to address serious allegations of Israeli apartheid

Faced with the Canadian government’s refusal to take seriously allegations of Israeli apartheid made by a series of international human rights organizations, a Canadian group has launched Canadians Against Apartheid, an initiative aimed at pressuring for a response. Read more….

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Excellent news! Canada to push for seat on UN Human Rights Council

On May 9th The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced Canada’s candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2028. The intention is good, but for Canada to be a credible candidate, it has to be a lot more consistent in its support for human rights both in Canada and around the world. A good place to begin would be to start defending the rights of Palestinians. Read more….

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