Author: Peter Larson

Independent Jewish organization goes head to head with CIJA over how to define anti-Semitism – guess who won?

Independent Jewish Voices Canada spokesperson Sheryl Nestel (bottom left) went head to head with Richard Marceau, Vice-President of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (top right), in a webinar debate over the merits of a definition of anti-Semitism which some claim is designed to protect Israel. Other panelists included York law professor Faisal Bhabha, top left, and Bernie Farber a respected social activist and former President of the Canadian Jewish Congress (centre top). Who won? Read more…

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Canada’s ambassador to UN throws “Hail Mary” pass to save UNSC bid. Will he score a touchdown?

In what appears to be a last minute attempt to save Canada’s bid for a UN Security Council seat, Marc-Andre Blanchard, Canada’s Ambassador to the UN has sent a letter to (all?) other UN Ambassadors defending Canada’s position with respect to Israel/Palestine. The UNSC vote will be held on June 17th. In his letter, Blanchard responds to a “letter from a group of Canadians” criticizing Canada’s position. Read more…

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B’nai Brith attacks 50 former Canadian diplomats as “hypocritical, prejudiced and biased” against Israel

On June 1, over 50 former Canadian diplomats sent an open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau urging him to take a firmer stand on the issue of Israel’s proposed annexation of parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. A few days later, they were attacked by B’nai Brith Canada as “hypocritical, prejudiced and biased”. Read more…

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Dozens of former Canadian diplomats urge Trudeau to speak out opposing Israel’s annexation plans

Over 50 retired Canadian diplomats, including many ambassadors and three former Liberal ministers, have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau urging him to defend Canada’s historical commitment to multilateral institutions and international law by clearly indicating Canada’s opposition to Israel’s proposed ‘annexation’ of significant parts of the Occupied Palestinian West Bank. Read more…

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What really happened in the 1947/48 “Nakba”? – Two Israeli historians have very different interpretations

Dr. Benny Morris (l.) and Dr. Ilan Pappé (r) are well-known Jewish Israeli historians who have dug carefully into Israel’s past. Morris is a proud Zionist. Pappé is opposed to Zionism.  Their research has led them to draw very different conclusions about the events surrounding the creation of the State of Israel in 1947/48.  An excellent series of probing interviews with each one has been prepared by Dr. Jordan Levine of Toronto. Take advantage of our COVID inspired confinement to watch, listen and learn. (more…)