What is life like for a Palestinian refugee today? In a live Skype panel session organized by Canada Talks Israel Palestine (CTIP), Yusef Aljamal (left, Gaza), Lubnah Shomali (r. West Bank), and Mahmoud Zeidan (not pictured, Lebanon) will talk about their lives and hopes. Attend our public meeting on September 10th. Read more. (more…)
Nakba
“My name is refugee”: – a book review

Thaer El Rifai, M.D. is a Canadian medical doctor practicing family medicine in Ottawa. Born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, he is one of the lucky refugees to survive and get out. He has written a short book about his experiences. In a video interview, I ask him about his book, and about why the refugee issue is not better understood. Read more. (more…)
Should Canada support BDS? Announcing our essay contest – Win the $1000 prize!!!
“Should Canada support BDS?” There is growing debate in Canada over the international movement to boycott Israel, known as BDS. In March, the federal government adopted a motion “denouncing” BDS. But a resolution in the same direction failed in the Ontario legislature in May. Canada Talks Israel Palestine (CTIP) wants to encourage a thoughtful discussion: We offer a $1000 prize for the best essay. Read more. (more…)
Liberal Minister’s letter implies continuation of Harper policy on denying funding for Palestinian refugees

Among the millions of new refugees displaced by the war in Syria are hundreds of thousands of existing refugees – Palestinians who have been stuck in camps in Syria and Lebanon since 1948. They depend on UNRWA, a UN organization, for the basics of survival. But in a recent letter, Liberal minister Marie Claude Bibeau seems to say that the Liberals are not in any hurry to reverse the Harper government’s decision to cut off UNRWA funding. Read more. (more…)
Trudeau pays emotional visit to Auschwitz

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, accompanied by Foreign Minister Stephane Dion and several leading members of the Canadian Jewish Community. His emotional visit will clearly play a role in his government’s approach to the Israel/Palestine issue. Read more. (more…)