CJPME Political Blog, Feb. 23, 2016:  Dear Mr. Trudeau

Given that the House of Commons yesterday passed a motion calling the government “to condemn any and all attempts by Canadian organizations, groups or individuals to promote the BDS movement, both here at home and abroad,” I anxiously await your condemnation. 

Although I regret that I have not had the opportunity to promote the BDS movement abroad, I have done my utmost to promote it in Canada.  I note that you are required to condemn “any and all” attempts to promote BDS, so I will list as many of my attempts as I can think of below. 

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 next 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. The current analysis studies each party’s position on Canada's vetoing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at the UN in May, 2015, out of deference to Israel's opposition. 

Many in Canada have been angered by the Canadian government's reluctance to help Syrian refugees, whether via humanitarian aid, or via the acceptance of refugees in Canada.  Canadians should demand that their politicians do more to concretely help Syrian refugees, and to put pressure on ministers to act promptly and compassionately.  Using the form below, please write to your MP, and let him/her know of your demand that more be done for Syrian refugees.  Stephen Harper and other party leaders will also be copied on the email.

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. 

Montreal, August 3, 2015  — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) calls on Canadian political parties to prioritize Middle East policy during the upcoming election campaign.  Especially over the past few years, the Middle East has become extremely dynamic and marred by conflict, and Canada’s interaction with the region will have repercussions for years to come. CJPME calls for Canadian politicians to take a step back, rethink our approach to the Middle East, and share their ideas with Canadians.

CJPME Political Blog, June 3, 2015: Many in Canada would be surprised how refugee-unfriendly Canada has become over the last two decades.  For CJPME, the issue was clearly highlighted when we observed the extreme attitudes of the government vis-à-vis Syrian refugees.  And while some would blame the Harper government alone for Canada’s new anti-refugee policies, previous Liberal governments also share much of the blame.