Does “freedom of speech” include the right to promote a boycott of Israel – or not? A US debate heats up

 

 

From California grapes to South African oranges to Montgomery’s buses – boycotts are a respected tradition in America as a non violent way to promote change. The right to promote a boycott is protected by the US constitution which protects freedom of speech. But what about BDS – the movement to boycott Israel? Attempts to make it illegal have prompted a growing debate in the US over freedom of speech. Read more. (more…)

Death of Israeli literary icon provokes debate and introspection around the world

amosoz

Well known Israeli novelist Amos Oz, widely respected as a man of letters, is dead of cancer at 79. Many Israeli (and North American) Jews saw Oz as a “peace activist” because of his strong stand against the occupation. But others note he remained a committed Zionist who supported Israel’s creation and its continued existence as a Jewish state to the detriment of the Palestinians. Read more….

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“Thank you for enabling me to come and see Israel/Palestine”, Canadian indigenous leader

 

adrian jacobs in JerusalemAdrian Jacobs, a 62 year old indigenous person returned to Israel/Palestine on a tour organized by the United Church of Canada 25 years after his first trip in 1992. In his thank you letter to the organizers he indicated he now has a different impression. Read more… (more…)

Canadian medic wounded in Gaza shares his story of courage and determination at Toronto event

 

Dr. Tarek Loubani, a Palestinian Canadian doctor, was shot in both legs last May by an Israeli sniper in Gaza. He was one of 1700 wounded on that day alone. He talked about what he saw and felt at a recent lecture organized in Toronto by Canadian Friends of Sabeel. Learn more…

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