Shimon Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is frequently seen on TV as the spokesperson for the Canadian Jewish community. He is ranked as one of the country’s 100 most effective lobbyists by the Hill Times. But some Canadian Jews are uncomfortable with CIJA’s strong pro-Harper, pro Netanyahu politics. One Jewish group has even circulated a public petition inviting Fogel to participate in a discussion on the campaign to boycott Israel (BDS). No response so far…
Pentecostals are one of several evangelical groups in Canada which strongly support Israel based on their belief in Christian Zionism. According to Robert Assaly, an Anglican priest, Christian Zionism also has a hold in many of the “mainline” churches. He is organizing a conference to discuss it. Learn more here.
In an astounding move, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau has lined up with Stephen Harper and Steven Blaney in calling for a ban on discussion of a boycott of Israel on Canadian campuses. (more…)
In one of his last acts as Foreign Minister, John Baird, here shown with his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman, signed a memorandum of agreement with Israel to fight the growing movement to boycott Israel (BDS)
In his last trip as Canada’s minister of Foreign Affairs, John Baird signed a curious Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with his counterpart Avigdor Lieberman of Israel. Officially called “A Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel regarding Public Diplomacy Cooperation,” the Baird-Lieberman memo was signed on January 24th, 2014. What does it mean?
Across many Canadian campuses, and indeed around the world, March is the month for “Israeli Apartheid Week” activities. The international movement appears to be growing. Israel’s defenders are fighting back claiming that they are “anti-Semitic”. Is it true? (more…)
Canada Talks Israel/Palestine 