Progressive Jews Welcome Defeat of Motion Condemning Israeli Apartheid Week
OTTAWA, March 12 /CNW Telbec/ - Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), a national network of Jewish human-rights activists, welcomes yesterday's defeat of MP Tim Uppal's House of Commons motion condemning Israeli Apartheid Week.
"This shows courage to stand up to the Orwellian attempts by Israel's supporters to bully Israel's critics into silence," said IJV spokesperson Sid Shniad. "Apartheid", the term Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak and former prime minister Olmert used to describe the occupation's effects, shouldn't be controversial.
"Whether or not you agree with the term 'apartheid', all Canadians should defend free speech and oppose limiting debate, especially considering these terms are part of the Israel mainstream debate," said Shniad.
IJV also commends Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath for her statement calling a similar provincial motion by MPP Peter Shurman "divisive by nature" and calls for the Ontario legislature to reject such motions in the future."
Founded in 2008, IJV-Canada is a large national organization of Jewish activists committed to social justice and universal human rights.
For further information: Sid Shniad, (604) 591-3099
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