Why I support Independent Jewish Voices’ work for justice in Palestine, from Dr. Gabor Maté

Although a ceasefire has brought some respite from killing and destruction in Gaza, true peace remains a distant and ever-elusive hope so long as the brutal and illegal occupation of Palestinian lands by Israel continues, and so long as the long-term and undisguised aim of Zionism remains an ethno-supremacist state under Jewish dominance from the river to the sea. Tragically, this project is supported by many misguided organizations claiming to speak on behalf of Canada’s Jewish community, and whose agenda is, for the most part, echoed in the mainstream media and who also wield considerable influence over many politicians in all parties. 
In truth, there is no unified Jewish perspective, nor should there be. Dissent from the mainstream and standing for truth are time-honoured Jewish traditions. For example, an under-reported recent poll shows 40% of U.S. Jews agree that Israel’s recent actions in Gaza are tantamount to genocide, which is also the stated opinion of noted Israeli scholars.In Canada, the group bearing the torch of justice and peace for Palestinians and Israelis is Independent Jewish Voices. This growing organization of Jews is dedicated to speaking the truth in the face of attempts to silence critics of Israel and to intimidate those who question the increasingly discredited mainstream narrative – a narrative that justifies the ongoing suppression, dispossession and torment of Palestinians and that ignores the inexorable radicalisation of Israeli society in the service of what many Israeli and international academics and human rights institutions have described as an apartheid entity.As a proud member of IJV, I urge all those who care about a peace that is based on justice for all, Jews and non-Jews, to support IJV’s current fundraising drive. It is essential that this vital organization continues to do its work of information and advocacy, that it grows from strength to strength.
Shalom and salaam to all,
Gabor Maté M.D.