Uncategorized

Is Gaza finished?: Personal impressions from a short visit

IMG_7110

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 back!!: a report on a recent Canadian tour to Israel/Palestine

A group of 13 Canadians has just completed a fascinating 2 week tour of Israel, Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Organized under the umbrella of the National Education Committee on Israel/Palestine, the group travelled extensively – from the Lebanese border in the north to the Negev desert in the south. We visited the Knesset and the Holocaust Museum as well as some of the key religious sites. In all, we met 23 Palestinian and Israeli NGO’s, politicians, students and local leaders, in addition to having many casual conversations with individual citizens.

IMG_6912

Travelling in our own minibus with driver and guide was safe and efficient (and fun)

Overall the trip was exciting, illuminating and exhausting. Each trip participant will draw his/her own conclusions.

See 10 of my own observations here.

(more…)