On November 4, 2025, CJPME sent a letter to Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow to thank her for her remarks recognizing Israel's genocide in Gaza.
Dear Mayor Chow,
I am writing to you on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to thank you for your recent remarks acknowledging the genocide in Gaza. Recognition is the first step towards justice for the Palestinian people who face unthinkable violence and oppression. As Palestinians in Gaza face ongoing bombardment, occupation, and starvation, the very least that we can do is to be honest in the words that we use as we push for an end to these atrocities.
Given the grave nature of the crimes of which Israel is accused, it is not a surprise that your position has faced criticism from steadfast supporters of Israel. However, you should feel confident that your position reflects the consensus within the human rights community and among experts on international law. Israel's assault on the people of Gaza has been recognized as a genocide by the Independent UN Commission of Inquiry, UN experts, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Doctors Without Borders, Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups, and genocide and Holocaust scholars. The International Court of Justice ruled that Palestinians have a right to be protected from genocide. This is not an issue of politics, but of simply acknowledging what everyone can plainly see when we choose to look.
You should also know that the Canadian public agrees with you. Recent polling shows that 64% of Canadians want their government to recognize that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, including 84% of Liberal supporters, 98% of NDP, and even 32% of Conservatives.
Thank you for listening to your constituents and standing up for justice and peace. As a next step, we encourage you to endorse concrete policy measures that Canada can take to end the genocide. We hope that you will add your voice to the movement calling for a comprehensive, two-way arms embargo on Israel, just as you had previously used your platform to call for a ceasefire.
Sincerely,
Michael Bueckert, PhD
Acting President
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East