Gaza

Is the chant “death, death to the idf” antisemitic or an expression of legitimate anger towards an army committing genocide?

British rapper Bob Vylan set off a firestorm last week at a major outdoor rock festival in the UK by adding his own chant to the now familiar “Free Free Palestine”. He surprised the audience by shouting “Death, death to the IDF”. Tens of thousands of festival goers, many waving Palestinian flags, roared their approval. A debate has erupted in the UK. Is it antisemitic? Read more…

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Canada’s overdue apology to the Palestinian people

Canadian Prime Ministers have apologized for various Canadian misdeeds over our 150 years of existence. We have also taken (partial) steps to remediate. But one Canadian act which has caused immense damage to an unsuspecting people remains unacknowledged and unremediated. It is time. Read more...

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Canada and Gaza: What are our moral and legal obligations? How can we get our government to do more?

Canada’s legal and moral obligations in the face of the ongoing genocide in Gaza were examined by a three person panel of experts assembled by the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine on June 16th. It seems clear that we are falling short. We discussed why and how we could do better. Read the text and watch the video of the event.

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Why do I focus on Palestine when there are so many other causes around the world?

In concluding remarks at a public meeting on Canada and Gaza organized by the Ottawa Forum on Israel Palestine, moderator Peter Larson raised a question he is often asked: “Why does he focus on Palestine when there are so many other issues in the world?” Read his remarks here…

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Hundreds of civic leaders write open letter to Prime Minister Carney urging “immediate and concrete action by Canada” to address the genocide in Gaza

Over 400 academics, lawyers, diplomats, civil society/faith/labour leaders, Senators, former politicians, and other concerned Canadians have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand urging immediate Canadian action. Read more…

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