"While I was happy to read the bold language used in describing Israel’s occupation and its treatment of Palestinians, I’m baffled that it has taken so long for public concern in Canada to be expressed on this scale."
August 9, 2023
While I was happy to read the bold language used in describing Israel’s occupation and its treatment of Palestinians, I’m baffled that it has taken so long for public concern in Canada to be expressed on this scale.
It took lifting of the rather obvious façade of Israeli democracy for people to begin acknowledging the apartheid state policies in place behind it. The controversial judicial reforms which are being pushed through by extreme right-wing government in Israel seem to have awakened a lot of people, inside and outside of Israel. Better late than never I suppose.
What truly disturbs me, however, is the strange absence of our government in all of this. We have seen that Canada is more than ready and willing to assist those in need (Ukraine), be it via punitive economic boycotts or military and financial support. When it comes to Israel’s subjugation of the Palestinians and ongoing violations of international law, our Prime Minister barely utters a word, apart from the usual generic statements reiterating support for a two-state solution. Beyond that, it’s business usual. If only our Prime Minister expressed half the enthusiasm that he has in supporting Ukraine and calling out Russia when dealing with Israel’s apartheid and the ongoing abuse of Palestinian human rights, we may have actually started to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Mohamed Khalaf
Director of Strategic Operations,
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME)
Address: 580 Sainte-Croix, Suite 060, Montreal, QC H4l 3X5
T: 438-380-5410
C: 438-530-6567