Category: palestine

Open letter to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme

Open letter to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme

Dear Commissioner Duheme:

Why have you not publicly announced your investigation into those Canadians and Canadian organizations who have participated in Israel’s genocide under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program?

Where is the RCMP hotline?

Where is the dedicated RCMP webpage?

Where are the RCMP media interviews denouncing such breaches of Canadian Law?

Where are the RCMP questionnaires soliciting witness testimony from those trying to flee Israel, and/or the families that have not been able to get their loved ones out of danger?

You have done so much for the Ukrainians.

Why have you done so little for the besieged Palestinian civilians? Why isn’t the RCMP providing the same level of assistance to the victims of Israel’s genocide in Gaza?

Palestinians are being bombed and buried under the rubble of their homes.

Palestinians sheltering in schools have been blown up.

Palestinians are being burned to death in tents in refugee camps.

Palestinians are being starved, and then shot when trying to get humanitarian aid to feed their families?

Palestinians have been forced to evacuate of Gaza hospitals, sometimes leaving premature babies to die alone.

Palestinian medical professionals and their patients have had their hands ziptied and been bulldozed into mass graves in hospital courtyards.

Palestinian toddlers have been targeted and shot in both the chest and the head according to MSF doctors trying to save them.

In March of 2024 the UN determined that more children had been killed in Gaza in less than 6 months than all the children killed in four years of conflict in the rest of the world.

The International Court of Justice has ruled Israel’s occupation of Gaza illegal.

Unlike Ukrainians, the people of Palestine have no air force, or air defence, nor do they have an army or navy with which to defend themselves from Israel’s sophisticated aerial bombers, fighter jets, naval vessels, army tanks, artillery, and killer drones.

Palestinian Hospitals, Ambulances and medical workers are being targeted, and killed

Palestinian Journalists are being targeted and killed.

Humanitarian Aid Workers are being targeted and killed.

Foreign media are locked out of Palestine, and yet there are many Canadians volunteering in the IDF, killing Palestinian civilians as part of the Israeli military attack. Canadians like me are helpless as we watch the dehumanization and massacre of innocent Palestinians, often recording their own Genocide in real time.

Why does the RCMP have such a poor track record of applying Canadian law when it comes to Isreal? Is Israel somehow above International Law?

What happened to the formal legal complaint concerning individual Canadians violating the Foreign Enlistment Act by inducing Canadians to join the Israeli military?

I know I am disturbed at the thought Canadians participating in the carnage will be returning home and worse, disregarding Canadian Law because they will feel the same impunity for antisocial behavior here that they had enjoyed in the Middle East.

As Canada’s premier law enforcement Agency, the RCMP must apply the law. Period.

The RCMP should not bow to political pressure or bullying from foreign countries or special interest groups.

Nor should the RCMP’s ties with the IDF influence the service’s enforcement of Canadian Law. Having seen many videos of IDF soldiers routinely mistreating the innocent Indigenous population of Palestine, and learning Canadian law enforcement agencies send their members to be “trained” in Israel, perhaps such “training” has influenced RCMP scandals in which innocent civilians and Indigenous people have been similarly mistreated.

Canadian politicians claimed our nation is a Rule of Law country. But failure to enforce Canadian laws when it comes to friends like Israel undermines the credibility of both the Government of Canada and the RCMP.

Why should Canadians respect (much less follow) Canadian Law if the RCMP fails to enforce it?

There are no good reasons– only disturbing possible reasons – for RCMP’s failure to investigate and enforcing Israel’s violations of Canada’s War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Act with the same vigor the RCMP has employed in respect of similar breaches of International Law in respect of Russian activity in the Ukraine.

This is not a good look for a nation that prides itself for its diversity.

Especially when civilians in Gaza are enduring an active genocide.

If none of the above is of concern to the RCMP, perhaps the prospect of being charged with complicity for failure to enforce appropriate Canadian Humanitarian Laws at the International Court of Justice and/or the International Criminal Court should be of concern.

As a Canadian citizen, I must insist your agency should do its job.

Sincerely,
Laurel L Russwurm

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My letter began with the the letter sponsored by Just Peace Activists and the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute on the Action Network’s The RCMP must investigate Israeli War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity letter campaign.

They’ve provided a form letter (at the link below) which participants can send as is, or add to or edit as I a have. I encourage you to click the link below and send your own letter. In a democracy, even as poor a democracy as ours, we must hold our institutions accountable.

Free Palestine!

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/rcmp-investigates-israeli-crimes-demand-they-apply-law

e-4802: Government Response

Dateline: May 22nd, 2024 – Hot off the Canadian House of Commons digital presses:

Response by the Minister of International Development

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Aniita Vandenbeld

“Canada is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its impact on the civilian population, which has been internally displaced multiple times and is unable to meet its most…


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e-4802: Government Response

Dateline: May 22nd, 2024 – Hot off the Canadian House of Commons digital presses:

Response by the Minister of International Development

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Aniita Vandenbeld

“Canada is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its impact on the civilian population, which has been internally displaced multiple times and is unable to meet its most basic survival needs.

“Officials are following reports of imminent famine in Northern Gaza and food insecurity across the Strip. Canada continues to advocate for more trucks to be allowed into Gaza and for more entry points to be opened. Canada was the first G7 country to provide support to Gaza after October 7, 2023, and is one of the world’s largest donors of assistance to address the current crisis. Canada has announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13,7 million that leveraged the generosity of Canadians.

“Canada also has a firm and consistent track record when it comes to advocating for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, promoting and protecting international humanitarian law, and reinforcing refugee protection, including for Palestinian refugees via UNRWA.  Canada has strongly called all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law. The Government of Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that Canadian funds do not go into the hands of Hamas.

“On March 8, 2024, Canada has resumed its funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), given the urgent humanitarian situation in Gaza and the significant processes taken to address allegations and reinforce zero tolerance against terrorism within the United Nations (UN) and UNRWA. The decision was based on confidence in the ongoing investigation and review processes; a satisfactory briefing by the UN Secretary General on the interim report of the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), and the rigour of the independent review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. UNRWA had already taken immediate steps to strengthen oversight, accountability, and transparency.

“Recognizing UNRWA’s critical role and the reliance of other aid organizations on UNRWA’s experience, infrastructure, and logistical capabilities, and also recognizing the critical and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, Canada judged that the lifting its pause on UNRWA was well-advised and opportune. As the first country to re-instate funding to UNRWA after having paused, Canada was able to demonstrate leadership in the sphere of humanitarian assistance; several other donors who had paused followed suit. Canada continues to take action to respond to the crisis, including by being a vocal advocate for UNRWA.

“Since March 8, 2024, a number of donors that had previously suspended their funding have since lifted their pause. The list as of May 2, 2024, includes: Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden.

“Canada has welcomed the final report of the Independent Review Group. We will be closely reviewing the findings and recommendations and will work with fellow donors, the UN and UNRWA to ensure that all recommendations are fully implemented, and the principle of neutrality is fully respected in UNRWA activities.

“Canada is calling for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire. Humanitarian assistance must be able to reach civilians in need. The Government of Canada has reiterated that any ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must lay down its arms and all hostages must be released. Canada remains firmly committed to a two-state solution. Canada’s position is that there needs to be return to a framework that can best guarantee sustainable peace and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.”


Petition e-4802 goes to Parliament #RestoreUNWRA

My petition closed after its 30 day run with nearly 10k signatures. Here’s our sponsor, Mike Morrice (Kitchener Centre MP) presenting it in the House of Commons. https://youtu.be/U2sN4MS96gY

The government has something like 45 days in which to reply.

Thoughts:

In a day or two, the countries that have been pledging financial support for UNWRA pulled their funding because Israel made unfounded…


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Petition e-4802 goes to Parliament #RestoreUNWRA

My petition closed after its 30 day run with nearly 10k signatures. Here’s our sponsor, Mike Morrice (Kitchener Centre MP) presenting it in the House of Commons.
https://youtu.be/U2sN4MS96gY

The government has something like 45 days in which to reply.

Thoughts:

In a day or two, the countries that have been pledging financial support for UNWRA pulled their funding because Israel made unfounded accusations about a tiny percentage of UNWRA workers. Months later, many have still not restored funding, even though no evidence to support the allegations has come from Israel.

Why does everybody believe Israel?

If you’re friends with a pathological liar, you need to learn to get the evidence before you believe.

Key Canadian Policy on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Lisa MacLeod is a Progressive Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Ms MacLeod’s tweet begins with an #AdHominem attacks accusing the “Jews Say No To Genocide” protest of “hate speech,” then characterizes their protest as a “sick” “antisemitic” “intimidation fest.

In the following @cbcnews clip, the “Jews Say No To Genocide” explain that they’re protesting an Israeli sale…


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Key Canadian Policy on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Lisa MacLeod is a Progressive Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Ms MacLeod’s tweet begins with an #AdHominem attacks accusing the “Jews Say No To Genocide” protest of “hate speech,” then characterizes their protest as a “sick” “antisemitic” “intimidation fest.

In the following @cbcnews clip, the “Jews Say No To Genocide” explain that they’re protesting an Israeli sale of illegally occupied Palestinian land being held in a synagogue.

I guess I was naive in thinking government lawmakers ought to follow the law. Particularly awesome in its awfulness is Ms MacLeod’s call for “legislation” to protect this inappropriate use of a place of worship used by unscrupulous realtors to hide behind while facilitating land deals illegal under International Law.

Does the PC Party embrace MPPs who promote illegality?

TWEET [avatar] Lisa MacLeod [blue check] @MacLeodLisa · Mar 2 Targeting a Synagogue for your “protest” / hate speech & intimidation fest is sick and antisemitic. Time for bubble legislation to protect worshippers, similar to that we have to protect women at abortion clinics.
[avatar] Ghada Sasa | غادة سعسع PhD(c) 🇵🇸 @sasa_ghada 🚨 LOCATION CHANGE 🚨 The city shut down the real estate show at Dani Centre! Zionists relocated to Aish Hatorah. It's disgusting they're trying to sell stolen 🇵🇸 land, including in illegal Israeli settlements, in a place of worship! 1/ 📍949 Clark Ave W, Thornhill, Ontario Graphic poster on a Burnt Sienna field: PALESTINE IS NOT FOR SALE! [arabic translation] * UPDATED LOCATION* Sunday March 3 @ 9AM 949 Clark Ave W Thornhill, ON PROTESTS AGAINST the ILLEGAL SELLING of PALESTINIAN LAND
MY TWEET [avatar] Laurel L Russwurm @laurelrusswurm I'm a little confused: since when is buying and selling real estate "worship"...? Especially Palestinian real estate in illegal Israeli settlements— something that's long been contrary to Canadian government policy. Someone needs to have a word with the Scribes and Pharisees.

Canadian policy (conforming to International Law )on the Israeli Occupied Palestinian Territories and illegal settlements has been clearly laid out on the Government of Canada website.

[Canada wordmark] Occupied Territories and Settlements Canada does not recognize permanent Israeli control over territories occupied in 1967 (the Golan Heights, the West Bank, East Jerusalem & the Gaza Strip). The Fourth Geneva Convention applies in the occupied territories & establishes Israel's obligations as an occupying power, in particular with respect to the humane treatment of the inhabitants of the occupied territories. As referred to in UN Security Council Resolutions 446 and 465, Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The settlements also constitute a serious obstacle to achieving a comprehensive, just & lasting peace. Canada believes that both Israel & the Palestinian Authority must fully respect international human rights & humanitarian law which is key to ensuring the protection of civilians, & can contribute to the creation of a climate conducive to achieving a just, lasting & comprehensive peace settlement.

Not only do Israeli Settlements on Palestinian Territory breach the Fourth Geneva Convention in International Law, Canada specifically states its opposition to Israeli Barriers and expropriation of Palestinian lands and resources.

[Canada wordmark] The Barrier Canada recognizes Israel's right to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks, including through the restriction of access to its territory, and by building a barrier on its own territory for security purposes. However, Canada opposes Israel's construction of the barrier inside the West Bank and East Jerusalem which are occupied territories. This construction is contrary to international law under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Canada not only opposes Israel's construction of a barrier extending into the occupied territories, but also expropriations and the demolition of houses and economic infrastructure carried out for this purpose. https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales /mena-moan/israeli-palestinian_policy-politique_israelo-palestinien.aspx?lang=eng
Ghada Sasa | غادة سعسع PhD(c) 🇵🇸 @sasa_ghada · Mar 2 We reject the faithwashing of Zionism! Zionism is both a settler colonial AND antisemitic ideology, and we will be protesting genocidal Israeli land grab no matter where it takes place! Show up to the protest and share, share, share. 📍949 Clark Ave W, Thornhill, Ontario Gmail attachment: Toronto Eveny change of location Friday Mar 1, 2024 at 5:02pm Due to the local municipality who are the owners of the Dani Centre who look at thus event as a potential politicl issue which they won't allow, they have instructed the Dani Centre to cancel the event. The location has been changed at the last minute with the help of the Dani Centre to the Aish Hatorah in Thornhill, located on 949 Clark Avenue. A representative of the Dani Centre will be standing outside the Dani Centre and will direct anybody that does not receive this message in time. Please confirm with an email by reply/ Shabbat Shalom Darren Rich [logo] Home inIsrael Real Estate Group [logo] kwnetanya Keller Williams Office: +972-9-8866270 Fax: +972-9-8866271 Mobile: +972-52-7771716 UK +44-20-80891446

Ironically, the municipal owner of the venue originally intended to hold the stolen land real estate sale withdrew its consent from the dubious event, prompting the venue change to the Aish Hatorah Synagogue.

This land sale nonsense is not only happening here in Canada. Stolen West Bank settlement homes are being flogged in the USA, as Rich Siegal explains in the following video:

Thanks to @Sasa_Ghada and Mr Siegal for taking a stand and sharing this information.

While I am not a lawyer, my reading of the relevant International law suggests countries that allow or enable International laws to be broken run the significant risk of being charged with complicity.

For decades Israeli governments have flouted International laws, and the countries with which they’ve been friendly (like Canada) have looked away, effectively giving Israel a free pass to do as it likes without accountability or repercussion. At this point the situation has gotten so far out of hand, and the bad behavior from government, IDF and settlers alike has become so flagrant, it is no longer confined to the dark, but happening in the bright light of day.

With South Africa’s case before the International Court of Justice, and subsequent ICJ Provisional Orders ruling Israel’s actions can be “plausibly” considered genocide, the possibility of charges of conspiracy to commit or complicity in genocide grows ever greater.

It’s past time Canada understands:
friends don’t let friends commit genocide.

I very much hope anyone who hasn’t yet will sign Petition e-4802 and share it as widely as possible.

SIGN Petition e-4802: Restore UNRWA Funding

As I write this, at 7,932 signatures it needs only 68 signatures to reach 8,000!!! This is so important because the more signatures e-Petition 4802 receives, the more seriously the Government of Canada will take it, so please keep signing and sharing! 

Thank you for your support!

Many thanks to everyone who has signed, and to the brave souls like @Sasa_Ghada, @BonsaiSky, Chelsey Lichtman at @JewsSayNo, Rich Siegal, @IndJewishVoices, and all the people online and off who are putting themselves on the line to protest, and share information & awareness of the terrible things happening to Palestinians in the Palestinian Territories occupied by Israel that our governments and MSM have ignored, decade after decade.

Israel tries to justify its continuing attack on the Palestinian Territories because of the October…

Israel tries to justify its continuing attack on the Palestinian Territories because of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

The world was horrified at that attack.

But that does not justify attacking Palestinian civilians. Or Healthcare workers, Or press. Or Humanitarian Aid workers.

And certainly not children.

Just as Hamas killed people, Israel is now killing people. With no signs of stopping.

People.

Listen to the CKMS interview of Mike Morrice and me!

CKMS News – 2024-02-29 – Local petitioner challenges Canada’s UNWRA funding cuts with MP’s support | CKMS 102.7 FM – Radio Waterloo

Listen to the CKMS interview of Mike Morrice and me!

Canadians and Canadian residents: please sign and share this important petition to #RestoreUNWRA funding

https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4802