Canadian Politics

Lactose intolerant? Canadian film about 18 cows causes indigestion for Israeli Culture Minister

wanted 18

An animated film co-directed by Canadian Paul Cowan and Palestinian artist Amer Shomali with support from Canada’s National Film Board is causing indigestion in Israel. Why? Read more

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Is Gaza finished?: Personal impressions from a short visit

The three punishing Israeli attacks on Gaza (2009, 2011, 2014) have had a serious impact on Gaza and its children. Hundreds killed, thousands more injured, whole neighbourhoods demolished, and tens of thousands suffering from the post-traumatic stress of seeing death and destruction around them.

But is Gaza finished? Are Gaza’s children ready to give up? Not from what I could see during a four day visit last month. See my report. (more…)

“Change” not yet evident in Trudeau’s policy toward Israel/Palestine

During the longest election campaign in Canadian history, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau seemed to have one objective with respect to the Israel/Palestine issue – keep it off the agenda.

leaders debate

When Prime Minister Harper bragged about his support for Israel during the first televised debate, Mulcair jumped in to go one better. But Trudeau deftly sidelined the discussion. “We are all in agreement on this issue”, commented Trudeau. It now seems that he meant it.

Read more about Trudeau’s strategy. (more…)

We’re off!! Canadian “come and see” group heading to Israel/Palestine for 2 weeks

Some of the participants in the 2014 tour, in front of the Knesset in 2014, where we met with both Arab and Jewish parliamentarians. Their perspectives were very different… Learn more about our tour… (more…)

Let’s regain a reputation for fairness with respect to Israel/Palestine – some suggestions for Prime Minister-elect Trudeau

As Prime Minister-elect Trudeau is at work deciding who will be in his cabinet, his key staff will also be drafting “mandate letters’ which give new ministers instructions on what the PM expects them to do in their portfolios. In an open letter, I make a number of suggestions with respect to the Israel/Palestine issue. See my letter.