Canadian Politics

Canada isolates itself (again this year) in multiple UN votes on Israel/Palestine

unga pic

Canada was one of only 7 countries defending Israel in the United Nations General Assembly last week. Canada voted with Israel, the USA and a handful of Pacific Island microstates to defend Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and opposing self determination for Palestinians. Read more…

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“Too late for two states?” – US scholar shares his hopes of saving a two state solution, but some remain unconvinced…

gershon Shamir

American/Israeli academic Gershon Shafir spoke on November 14th to a large crowd at the Jewish Community Centre in Ottawa. He was very critical of Israel’s seemingly unstoppable slide towards intolerance and right wing politics, but still held out hope for a 2 state solution. Many in the audience were relieved, but not everyone was convinced. See this report by guest columnist Diana Ralph, of Independent Jewish Voices Ottawa. (more…)

One hundred years later, Ottawa Unitarians discuss the Balfour Declaration – was it a good idea, or not?

One hundred years ago this month, after decades of anti-Jewish pogroms in Russia and Eastern Europe, British Foreign Secretary Lord Arthur Balfour promised Jews that Britain would help them create a homeland in Palestine.

That set in motion events which have caused trouble in the Middle East ever since.

Was Balfour’s idea a good one, or not? The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa is organizing a film and discussion to mark the 100th anniversary.

First Unitarian Congregation

30 Cleary Avenue

Wednesday, November 22 @ 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.

For more information click on:  Balfour Declaration event

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Canada Talks Israel Palestine (CTIP) aims to promote a serious discussion in Canada about the complicated and emotional Israel/Palestine issue. We invite comments from readers. Both Zionists and non-Zionist opinion is welcome as long as it is expressed in a respectful way. If you support our educational mission, why not join? Or make a donation? Or learn more about what we do?  Contact us at membership.ctip@gmail.com.

 

 

UN Special rapporteur raises new issue in report on human rights in Occupied Territories: has the occupation become annexation?

Lynk-e1509466133431Professor Michael Lynk, of Western University Law school, is the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In his most recent report, he recommends to the UN General Assembly that it examine whether the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is still legal after 50 years. Read more…

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