Up to the beginning of March, a debate had begun in various legislatures in Canada over anti-Semitism and how to fight it. The city councils of Montreal (above), Calgary and Vancouver discussed and declined to adopt a controversial motion which defines anti-Semitism in a way that is aimed to shield Israel from criticism. But those behind the motion have had some successes elsewhere. When the Corona virus crisis abates there is little doubt they will be back to continue their campaign. Why is the motion they are proposing so problematic, and what can be done about it? Read more…
universities
“There is no political split in Israel, they are all right of centre”, Israeli scholar tells Ottawa U group
Michael Koplow, (centre) of the Israel Policy Forum, had some shocking words about Israel for a group of students and professors at the University of Ottawa on October 24th. Other panelists included Professors Costanza Musu (l) and Peter Jones (r). The event was organized by the UofO’s Centre for International Policy Studies (CIPS) and was sponsored by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). Read more. (more…)
Many Nakba commemoration activities planned for Ottawa
A Palestinian grandmother holds the key to her house that she has never been allowed to return to. Several groups are planning activities in Ottawa to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the “Nakba” – and educate the Canadian public about the expulsion of over 3/4 million Palestinians from their homes in 1947/48. Read more..
Is Anti-Semitism really rampant at McGill? Two views… and a caution about the words we use
Canadian Jewish News ran an alarming headline on its front page on October 25th about rampant anti-Semitism among BDS supporters at McGill University. Was it accurate? Read more… (more…)
UWO rejects pressure from Israeli lobby group over UN special rapporteur
UN Watch, a pro-Israel lobby group based in Geneva has attacked the University of Western Ontario for providing office support to law professor Michael Lynk, who was named two years ago by the UN as a Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories. Western’s president has refused to back down. Read more… (more…)