VotePalestine: A Response to A Response

Some time ago, I publicly endorsed the five demands outlined by the VotePalestine platform (VotePalestine.ca). The platform, written to be consistent with international law, Canadian law, and human rights, provides detailed explanations, but briefly summarized, these demands are:

1. Two-way arms embargo on Israel

2. Ending Canadian support for settlements

3. Combat anti-Palestinian racism and protect pro-Palestine speech

4. Recognizing the state of Palestine

5. Funding Gaza relief efforts, including UNRWA

Canadians hold diverse and deeply-held views on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This issue has surfaced during recent public events I've participated in, such as Faithful Election Conversations and the Rogers TV Debate. It regularly arises in conversations as I knock on doors across Waterloo. It has weighed heavily on my mind for over 18 months, following the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which tragically resulted in more than 1,100 deaths.

Our immediate goal must be to halt the violence, to ensure the safe return of Israeli and Palestinian hostages, and to foster conditions for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, grounded in mutual security and respect. Achieving this requires an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and renewed engagement from the global community. This engagement has been sorely lacking for far too long.

Earlier this week, I received an email expressing concern for my endorsement of these five demands. Given the importance and sensitivity of this topic, I believe it's valuable to openly discuss this here. I'll share comments from that email in italics, followed by my "response to the response."

The platform calls for an arms embargo on Israel. While I am sure that we all deeply want a lasting ceasefire in the region and the end to lost life, this embargo would mean deterring Israelis from defending themselves and not using military action to rescue the 60 hostages remaining in captivity since October 7, 2023.

I’m grateful to hear your shared desire for a lasting ceasefire. It's important to recognize that sending additional weapons into an active conflict zone does not help achieve peace. Israel already possesses one of the most powerful military forces globally and has deployed this strength with devastating consequences in Gaza. Every nation has the right to defend itself, but this defense must align with international law and humanitarian standards. Numerous respected institutions, including the International Court of Justice, have found Israel's actions in violation of these standards. Implementing an arms embargo communicates Canada's stance against disproportionate military responses and extensive civilian harm. The Canadian Parliament has passed a motion for an arms embargo, making this part of the platform consistent with recent parliamentary direction. This report from Project Ploughshares (Canada Under Contract to Supply the IDF with Artillery Propellant) details one of the ways in which Canada is supporting the conflict through indirect trade.

The platform simply calls for establishing a Palestinian state (which I am going to optimistically assume means establishing a two-state solution and not the eradication of Israel). With Hamas currently ruling Gaza, the establishment of a Palestinian state run by Hamas is a terrifying notion, and I sincerely hope that is not your desire! Hamas openly calls (in their constitution) for the death of Jews (not just Jews in Israel, but EVERYWHERE)  and is responsible for the worst pogrom on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Having a terrorist organisation in charge in this region would not be good for Palestinians or Jews.

The two-state solution remains the internationally recognized framework for peace negotiations and is consistent with Canada’s official position. While your concerns about Hamas are understandable, evidence does not substantiate fears that a future Palestinian state would inherently threaten Israel or Jewish communities worldwide. Hamas has issued several official statements clarifying its stance, which should help alleviate some anxiety. Additionally, Israel maintains (and will continue to maintain) a powerful military capability sufficient to defend itself against any genuine threat. Our goal must remain a peaceful coexistence, built on mutual security and respect. Finally, any Palestinian state would be subject to the same expectations under international law that we expect of Israel.

The platform calls for revoking charitable status for Canadian charities found to support Israeli settlements.  This blanket embargo denies aid provided by organisations supplying health care and infrastructure, which help ALL those living in Israel.

The demand regarding charitable status simply calls for existing Canadian rules around charities to be enforced fairly and consistently. Organizations that provide essential health care and infrastructure to communities within Israel's recognized borders would not be impacted. The intent is specifically to address charities supporting activities in illegal settlements, not to obstruct humanitarian efforts benefiting Israelis generally.

This platform calls for endorsing the BDS (Boycotts, Divestments, Sanctions) movement as a way of supporting Palestinian rights.  BDS calls for a blanket boycott of all Israeli companies and institutions, including cooperation with universities.  It only serves as a method to hurt Israel, not support Palestinians.  

Boycotts, divestments, and sanctions have long been important tools of nonviolent political expression, widely recognised as legitimate means to advocate for justice and human rights. History demonstrates their effectiveness in facilitating peaceful resolutions, notably in challenging apartheid in South Africa and advancing civil rights in the United States. Indeed, such actions were also effectively employed by Jewish communities in the international boycott of Nazi Germany during the 1930s. The intention behind BDS is not to harm Israel but rather to encourage it towards policies aligned with international law and respect for Palestinian rights. The platform specifically emphasizes that individuals and communities should have the freedom to engage in BDS without fear of repercussions or anti-Palestinian discrimination, affirming their right to express solidarity safely and openly. This article (Annexing Palestine Through Trade) from Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East expands on how are trade practices can help and harm a people.

Also concerning is that at least one of the initiating endorsers, the Palestinian Youth Movement, has nationally and locally caused our universities to be unsafe places for Jewish students during their on-campus protests.

Your concern for the safety and well-being of Jewish students is extremely important, just as it is important to ensure a safe environment for all students, regardless of their identity or background. To my knowledge, the organization you mentioned has exercised only the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly that are guaranteed to all Canadians. Utilizing these fundamental freedoms does not inherently pose a threat to Jewish students or any other community. However, any specific incidents where safety has been compromised must be treated seriously, fully investigated, and addressed through appropriate legal channels. Ensuring campuses remain safe and welcoming environments for everyone is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance, accountability, and fairness.

Much more could (and should) be said, but this is perhaps a good place to end for the time being.