Montreal, February 23, 2016  — In light of the passage of Parliament’s “anti-BDS” motion on Monday, the President of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME), Mr. Thomas Woodley, announced that he awaits his condemnation by the Trudeau Liberals.   “I’ve realized that being condemned by Canada’s government, merely for supporting the human rights of Palestinians, might be the most admirable thing I’ll accomplish in my life,” wrote Woodley in a letter to the government, as he awaited news of his condemnation.  As leader of a non-profit actively promoting BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel) as an economic tool to encourage Israel to respect the human rights of Palestinians, Woodley assumes he is near the top of the list for condemnation.  

Last week, a Conservative-sponsored motion was launched in Canada’s parliament calling for the condemnation of organizations and individuals promoting the “Boycott Israel” (i.e. BDS) movement.  The vote is due to take place Monday, February 22, 2016.  Even if you see this alert after the 22^nd, please go ahead and email your MP, as he/she should still hear how you feel on this issue.

Montreal, February 19, 2015  — In light of ridiculous theatre in Canada’s parliament this week, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) openly launches a creative new campaign to deepen the “Boycott Israel” movement in Canada.  CJPME was specifically cited in the parliamentary motion targeting organizations supporting economic action against Israel, and CJPME has launched its new campaign in response.  CJPME’s campaign invites Canadians from across the country to sign up for a packet of free “Boycott Israel” sticky notes.  CJPME invites Canadians to go to local stores and post these on Israeli merchandise, thus warning potential buyers against buying products from Israel.  

CJPME Factsheet 196, published February, 2016: On Feb. 22, Parliament passed a motion to condemn Canadian groups and individuals who promote the BDS movement.  This factsheet addresses misconceptions about the BDS movement that were apparent during the Parliamentary debate.

CJPME is pleased to publish the first of a 15 part election series analyzing the positions of Canada’s political parties. CJPME hopes that, by revealing what parties have said and done on key Middle East issues, Canadians will be better informed voters in the upcoming elections. Our first analysis studies each party’s position on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to put economic pressure on Israel. 

CJPME Political Blog, June 10, 2015: It’s time to take a reality check on the competing claims about the “boycott Israel” (BDS) movement in Canada.  For starters, let’s be clear on two things.  First, the Harper government doesn’t seem bent on jailing Canadian BDS activists anytime soon, and second, the BDS movement will never bring about the “destruction” of Israel.

Envoyez un courriel au premier ministre Harper: Plus tôt ce mois-ci, plusieurs Canadiens ont été scandalisés à la lecture d’un article de la CBC qui évoquait l’intention du gouvernement Harper de poursuivre les activistes qui boycottent Israël en recourant aux lois portant sur les « crimes haineux ». Le boycottage d’Israël n’a rien à voir avec la « haine ». Pareille disposition irait à l’encontre de la liberté d’expression et de la liberté individuelle des Canadiens. Utilisez le formulaire qui suit pour écrire à votre député(e) pour lui faire part de votre désapprobation à ce sujet.  

Email Prime Minister Harper: Many in Canada were horrified by the CBC article earlier this month which suggested that Canada’s Harper government may legally prosecute Boycott-Israel activists using “hate crime” laws.  The boycott of Israel has nothing to do with “hate,” and such action would violate Canadians’ fundamental rights of freedom of expression and individual liberty.  Using the form below, please write to your MP, and let him/her know of your opposition to such action by the government.