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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The images were shocking. Israeli soldiers armed with stun grenades, tear gas, batons and rifles) attacking Palestinian worshippers INSIDE the Al Aqsa Mosque. Prime Minister Trudeau made a statement indicating concern about the “violence around the Al Aqsa Mosque’. Neutral. non-judgemental. But what might he have said if the tables had been turned? Read more…
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The black and white scarf known as the keffieh is a traditional piece of Palestinian clothing. But when students wore kuffiehs to a Halifax school on “culture day”, they were told to remove it. Mobilisation by the Palestinian community in Halifax, with support from allies including local members of Independent Jewish Voices Canada, obliged the principal to reverse the decision. (Photo credit: CJPME) Read more…
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NOTE: David da Silva, Canada’s representative to the Palestinian Authority joined the meeting in Huwara along with other diplomats. Good.
But it appears his bosses in Ottawa wouldn’t allow him to sign the joint declaration which clearly said “settler violence is a result of Israels continued settlement activity.” da Silva’s tweet was good, but less clear about who was responsible.
What remains unclear is whether Canada or ANY of those signing the joint press release will take any action against Israel or whether the condemnations will remain devoid of consequence.
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
Nablus, February 22, 2023. 10:00 a.m. Shops full. Kids in school. Armoured Israeli jeeps and other vehicles attempt to penetrate the city. Palestinian youth attempt to stop them. Throwing stones at vehicles, and blocking roads. (Photo credit: CNN) Israelis continue to penetrate. Final result? 10 Palestinians dead, over 100 injured, several seriously. We write to Canadian representative in OPT to ask for more information. Read more.
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Canada Talks Israel/Palestine 