Dear Members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development,
As you are aware, there is a motion put forward by MP Heather McPherson that may soon be tabled at the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. The motion calls for a study into possible actions Canada can take to promote peace and respect for human rights in Israel-Palestine.
The situation in Israel-Palestine has gone from bad to worse in recent years, particularly under Israel’s new government, the most illiberal and far-right in its history. Yet despite its ongoing occupation and atrocious human rights record, Canada continued to provide near unconditional support to Israel.
Over the past months, we have witnessed an uptick in vocal support by Canadian MPs towards peace and justice in the region. However, we need more than words of support and encouragement. Now more than ever, we need our government to be consistent in its approach towards human rights around the globe, and to take concrete action toward justice in Israel-Palestine.
Opinion polls show that such a study would be warmly welcomed by a majority of Canadians, including from Canada’s Jewish communities. A recent opinion poll found that 59% of Canadian Jews felt that the Israeli government was “moving in the wrong direction”. Moreover, according to a 2020 opinion poll, a strong majority of Canadians feel that our government should not overlook Israel’s human rights abuses, even if Canada considers Israel its ally.
Canadians of all backgrounds, including Jews and Palestinians, are calling for justice and are in need of your action now. We call on you to vote in favour of MP McPherson’s motion. If not now, when?
Sincerely,
Independent Jewish Voices Canada