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June 23, 2009 Yahoo News-Lawsuit brings murky West Bank land deals to light After Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, east Jerusalem and the Golan Heights in the 1967 war, the government began settling Jews in the captured territories. To avoid complications stemming from international law, it turned to the WZO, setting up a special settlement division not technically part of the government but entirely funded by it. The maneuver has served to cloud the issues and confuse the finger-pointing when uncomfortable questions arise. Such questions had already arisen in 2005, when a government-commissioned report accused the settlement division of complicity in diverting funds and confiscating West Bank land to put up some of the more than 100 "outposts" — small wildcat settlements — that settlers have built, some on privately held Palestinian land. June 19, 2009 Toronto Star - A world away, Palestinian seeks justice Villager in Toronto accuses Canadian firms of 'war crimes' over West Bank settlement First came the fence, which splintered the olive trees from Bil'in, the Palestinian village that tended them. ...."We want to show that there is no justice in Israel," said Khatib. June 18, 2009 Globe and Mail Editorial - Less than a peace process ....He (Netanyahu) also said that a Palestinian state could not have its own armed forces and could not control its own airspace: not a sovereign state, then, at all, but rather, Palestinian self-government or autonomy. He also demanded that Israel maintain its capital in an undivided Jerusalem. (This is a worth reading editorial as it is quite a departure from the usual support of Israel by the Globe and Mail. What the editorial fails to mention is that there has never been a peace process.) Haaretz - Full text of Netanyahu's foreign policy speech at Bar Ilan Globe and Mail - Full text of Obama's speech in Cairo, June 4, 2009 Rabble.ca - Much ado about Netanyahu - Analysis of Netanyahu's speech June 17, 2009 Independent Jewish Voices (Canada) Joins Campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Against IsraelOttawa - Independent Jewish Voices (Canada) voted to join the growing international campaign in support of the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel, at its first Annual General Meeting this past weekend. This decision makes IJV the first national Jewish organization in the world to do so. The adopted resolution states that IJV will "Support the Palestinian call for a campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and complies with the precepts of international law, including the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194."
June 12, 2009 JTA - Canadian minister: Reconsider forum on Mideast Canada's minister of science is under fire for asking a government agency to reconsider its financial support for a conference on the future of Israel and the Palestinians. The Canadian Association of University Teachers, which represents 65,000 academics, is calling for the resignation of Gary Goodyear, the minister of state for science and technology, because of his "unprecedented efforts to interfere" with the June 22-24 conference in Toronto. Details on York U, Israel Palestine Mapping models of statehood and Path to Peace Conference
June 4, 2009 The Canadian Charger - Independent Jewish Voices Fights for Justice When asked about IJV, she explained that its origins can be traced back to 2006. Israel was engaged in military action in Gaza and Lebanon, and the United Church of Canada was considering a resolution calling for divestment of companies contributing to Israeli occupation. The Canadian Jewish Congress waged a campaign against the United Church, its leadership, and those proposing the motion, accusing them of anti-Semitism. In reaction, a group of Jews who agreed with the United Church sprang to its defence and supported the resolution, using an on-line petition and handing delegates a booklet that they produced. Delegates approved the motion, with minor changes.
May 26, 2009 Toronto Star - Palestinian negotiator predicts violence if settlements continue ....A spokesman for Harper said the two leaders agreed on the importance of restarting peace talks."Canada believes that these issues must be settled between the parties themselves. ... ("Peace Talks" means more time for Israel to confiscate more Palestinian land. As for "these issues must be settled between the parties", Israel is in violation of 65 UN resolutions. The criminal is allowed to break the laws and its victims must negotiate for some meagre measure of justice. Enforcing just 3 of these resolutions would resolve the conflict. " Ignatieff calls on government to play a greater role"! Ignatieff is the Liberal leader that is more in the pocket of the lobby than any other Liberal leader, even Paul Martin. How nice to be in opposition where you can criticize what you yourself would do if you were in power.) AND THE EVER PRESENT LOBBY COULD NOT ALLOW THIS VISIT TO TAKE PLACE WITHOUT SUBJECTING ABBAS TO THEIR SPIN.....
May 7, 2009 CJN - JDL objects to ‘Israel/Palestine’ conference at York TORONTO — The Jewish Defence League said it plans to hold weekly demonstrations at York University to protest an upcoming two-day conference called Israel/Palestine: Mapping Models of Statehood and Paths to Peace. Diana Ralph - Ahmadinejad’s Speech at the Durban Review: [NOTE: [Diana Ralph is a member of Independent Jewish Voices and attented Durban II in Geneva] In his speech, I heard much with which I agreed. For example, he objected to the UN Security Council’s veto rights over the democratic wishes of the world, particularly in supporting Israeli war crimes and violations of international law. He labelled the wars against Afghanistan and Iraq as exercises in imperial conquest, causing massive suffering, expanding the narcotics trade, and benefiting arms dealers. ....Finally he urged our collective effort to “make the world a better place full of love, fraternity, and blessings; a world devoid of poverty and hatred.”
May 1, 2009
April 22, 2009 READ IT FOR YOURSELF - Text of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the Durban Review Conference on racism in Geneva on April 20. Where is the anti-Semitism? Where is the call for the destruction of Israel? Our newspapers love to report critics comments but never print the speech that is being commented upon. At least the Toronto Star was honest enough to print a correction of their original report that the speech called for the eradication of Israel. Quote: "An April 21 article about Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the United Nations World Conference against Racism in Geneva on Monday included incorrect information that resulted from an erroneous early translation of the speech. In fact, Ahmadinejad did not call for the eradication of Israel. Nor did he brand Israel as illegitimate. "
April 18, 2009 Torstar - Israel won't co-operate with Gaza investigation Israel does not plan to co-operate with a UN agency's investigation into alleged war crimes by Israeli troops and Hamas militants during fighting in Gaza, an Israeli government official said today. Human rights groups have criticized Israel's conduct during the Gaza offensive and called for an investigation into possible war crimes. In addition to looking at Israel's conduct, Goldstone has said his inquiry would assess possible Palestinian violations of human rights. Militants fired hundreds of rockets into southern Israel during the fighting. [If they have nothing to hide, why will they not cooperate?]
IJV - Canadian Jews support the Durban Review As Canadian Jews, we support and will attend the Durban Review of the World Conference Against Racism in Geneva, April 20-24. We do so because we are concerned about all expressions of racism. Unfortunately, there are Zionist and pro-Israeli groups coming to Geneva on April 20, working to derail this crucially important conference in the name of observing the holocaust. For us, the holocaust legacy "Never again" means never again for all peoples. It is a tragic turn of history that the State of Israel, which espouses ideals of democracy and portrays itself as a safe haven for Jews, causes immeasurable suffering and injustice to the Palestinian people. Ironically, the result is less and less security for the people of Israel.
April 9, 2009 A incisive article from Toronto Star columnist Linda McQuaig. Note the comments from readers at the end as well. Canadians are no longer fooled by pro-Isael propaganda. Torstar - PM feared Galloway's message Indeed, it seems likely Israel had a hand in the decision to ban Galloway from Canada. In March 2008, the Harper government signed a broad-ranging security pact with Israel. The pact, which has received scant attention in Canada's Parliament or media, established close Canada-Israeli co-operation in "border management and security," under a management committee comprised of Canada's deputy minister of public safety and Israel's director general of public security.... Clearly, we need a thorough public review of the Canada-Israel security pact – a task made all the more urgent now that the Israeli cabinet includes the extremist Avigdor Lieberman, who once mused publicly about drowning Palestinian prisoners. National Post - Canada wants Sri Lanka ceasefire, Tamil protests continue What stunning double standards! We have freedom of speech and freedom to protest in Canada but not if Israel's actions are the issue. Mr. Cannon rejected a call by the Sri Lankan high commissioner to Canada to crack down on the protesters because they were waving banners that depict a tiger in front of a pair of crossed guns. "It's not up to me to put an end to protest," said Mr. Cannon. "People are allowed to protest in Canada. We live in a democracy. People are allowed to go and express their ideas, their concerns." March 28, 2009
It struck this writer as odd when the Galloway controversy first began, that it was Canada Border Services Agency that took the initial decision to ban the British MP . I had to wonder on what information and logic would a Canadian agency take it upon themselves to deny a British Member of Parliament entry into Canada. The answer is perhaps in the Canada-Israel Security Agreement. University of Ottawa Prof, Michel Chossudovsky writes: In all likelihood, the decision was taken in close consultation with Israel under the terms of a farreaching agreement on "public security" signed in Tel Aviv on March 23 2008. ... The terms reference of the Canada-Israel "Declaration" are extremely broad. They include issues of immigration and ethnic profiling, the management of borders, intelligence and the exchange of information, emergency preparedness, correctional services, prisons, law enforcement and counter-terrorism. The agreement allows for officials from the State of Israel, to play a role in Canadian "public security" including border security and immigration. [Read more] OR perhaps he was banned by Kenney on advise of the JDL - either way, one must ask if Canada is being run in the best interest of Canadians and according to Canadian values or for the interest of Israel. Read on... An organization the FBI, the U.S. State Department and U.S. courts have branded a 'terrorist organization' has given advice to the Harper government that led Immigration Minister Jason Kenney to barring a British MP from Canada.
Canada only nation to vote against UN Resolution condemning settlement building in East Jerusalem In a resolution (A/HRC/10/L.5) on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan , adopted by a vote of 46 in favour, one against, and no abstentions, as orally revised, the Council deplores the recent Israeli announcements of the construction of new housing units for Israeli settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as they undermine the peace process and the creation of a contiguous, sovereign and independent Palestinian State; expresses grave concern at, inter alia, the continuing Israeli settlement and related activities; the increasing number of newly built structures amounting in 2008 to 1,257; .... March 27, 2009 Since 2001, well-funded Israel Lobby groups have mobilized to discredit and derail the 2009 Durban Review Conference. These include the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, UN Watch, ICARE-Magenta Foundation, the American Jewish Committee, and the World Jewish Diplomatic Corp of the World Jewish Congress. In Canada, they include the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy (CIJA), the Canadian Jewish Congress, and B’nai Brith. All of these groups choose to characterize as anti-Semitic legitimate criticism of racist Israeli policies and practices.
March 23, 2009 Just a little over a year ago today, the Jerusalem Post ran this headline: Canadian government forming pro-Israel lobby . In the past month, the Harper government has cut funding to an organization that does not share its Israel-right-or-wrong views and denied entry into Canada to outspoken anti-war, pro-Palestinian British MP George Galloway....... CP - Canada bans outspoken British MP Kenney's office noted Galloway has expressed sympathy for the Taliban cause in Afghanistan and provided financial support to the Palestinian group Hamas, listed in Canada as a terrorist organization. Tor Star - Kenney has no regrets over cutting off Arab group CAF president Khaled Mouammar believes Canada should regard Hamas and Hezbollah as "legitimate organizations," Kenney said. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are on the Canadian government's list of groups"associated with terrorism," according to the public safety department's website. March 20, 2009 Human Rights Watch - EU: Demand Accountability for Gaza Conflict Laws of War Violations Haaretz - UN envoy: Gaza op seems to be war crime of greatest magnitude Richard Falk, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, said the Geneva Conventions required warring forces to distinguish between military targets and surrounding civilians....Falk called for an independent experts group to be set up to probe possible war crimes committed by both Israeli forces and Hamas. Violations included Israel's alleged "targeting of schools, mosques and ambulances" during the December 27-January 18 offensive and its use of weapons including white phosphorus, as well as Hamas firing of rockets at civilian targets in southern Israel. Ekklesia - Investigators and judges call for impartial enquiry into Gaza war crimes Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, former Irish president and UN human rights commissioner Mary Robinson and Justice Richard Goldstone are among signatories of a global call for an investigation into the Gaza conflict.
March 16, 2009 CPNO - Jewish Canadians Concerned About Suppression of Criticism of Israel We are Jewish Canadians concerned about all expressions of racism, March 13, 2009 CJPME - Critique of “The Danger of a Genocidal and Nuclear Iran” Canadian Parliamentarian and Former Minister of Justice, Irwin Cotler, released a petition on December 9, 2008, entitled “The Danger of a Genocidal and Nuclear Iran: A Responsibility to Prevent Petition.”[1] ...... [It] is a one-sided campaign to demonize and ostracize Iran. The petition and Mr. Cotler’s self-appointed diplomatic offensive will undermine efforts at dialog in the Middle East, and will only serve to radicalize and polarize people’s sentiments. The Petition’s oversimplification of complex geopolitical problems muddies the issues and will discourage reasoned debate. In light of its poor referencing, its utilization of questionable sources, its reliance on non-literal translations, its manipulation of statements and its factual distortions, this petition is neither serious nor balanced.
March 10, 2009 CPNO - Arab Canadians call on Harper to restrain Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney Delegates of Arab organizations from across Canada meeting in Toronto on Sunday March 8 2009 stand in solidarity with, and express their support for, the Canadian Arab Federation and its leadership. The delegates categorically reject the baseless accusations against the Canadian Arab Federation (CAF) made by the Canadian Jewish Congress, B’nai Birth, the National Post and Jason Kenney; Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. The campaign of intimidation launched by the Israeli lobby and their supporters is seeking to delegitimize Arab Canadian institutions, services, access to public funds and to silence all critics of Israel... [ The Harper government has completely shut out the two major organizations that represent Arabs (CAF) and Muslims (CIC) in Canada. Jason Kenney has abused the powers of his office to threaten those who do not agree with him. Its hard to believe what we have come to in this country. More on this story under February 23, 2009 below. ] March 3, 2009 Excalibur - Hate crime allegations dismissed at McMaster “The complaints we got were that [ . . . ] what people were yelling and chanting was offensive, and also some of the banners displayed had some offensive messages in them and generally therewere anti-Israeli or anti-Jewish sentiments that were expressed,” said Chris Kiriakopoulos of the Hamilton police. Kiriakopoulos emphasizes that the Hamilton police are careful with what they identify and treat as hate crime. The case, however, has been closed because the incident failed to meet several of the elements required to constitute a hate crime. [ Although the outcome of this complaint is positive, what is stunning is that it took a year for the Hamilton Police to conclude their investigation. The problem remains that with all the accusations of anti-Semitism being made by the Zionist Lobby, it is entirely conceivable that people protesting Israel's human rights violations could have charges hanging over their heads for some time before a complaint is dismissed. It is essential that Palestinian human rights activists establish links with their local police forces to make them aware of the issues so that in the future this type of investigation does not take a year.]
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