"While Cohen argues that the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is not representative of Canadian Jews, his decision to exclude mention of Independent Jewish Voices reflects his own myopia around Canadian Jews of different backgrounds, occupations and affiliations, especially those who are committed to social justice and human rights."
March 20, 2023
Re: “The unspeakable silence of the Canadian Jewish establishment”
In his opinion piece, “The unspeakable silence of the Canadian Jewish establishment,” Andrew Cohen uses offensive and demeaning language when referring to Palestinians citizens in Israel and in the Palestinian Occupied Territories. Describing people who have been dispossessed of their land as “marauding infidels” is condescending and dismissive of the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people. And if indeed Israel has faced “fifth columnists,” as Cohen suggests, it is only because Israel continues to mistreat and oppress their Palestinian neighbours.
While Cohen argues that the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is not representative of Canadian Jews, his decision to exclude mention of Independent Jewish Voices reflects his own myopia around Canadian Jews of different backgrounds, occupations and affiliations, especially those who are committed to social justice and human rights.
Tayla Shair
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME)