The Progressive Caucus for Peace Expresses its Disappointment with the NDP
Federal Caucus' Silence on Israeli Apartheid Week
TORONTO, March 12 /CNW/ - The Progressive Caucus for Peace, a network of progressives and New Democrats calling for a more balanced Middle East dialogue, expresses its disappointment with the fact that the federal caucus refused to condemn Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) in the House of Commons.
"Being a student myself who has to spend time on campus, I know how nasty IAW has gotten in the past few years. An academic environment is all about discussing the Middle East's challenges. However, IAW does nothing but create hostility, hatred, and intimidation on many Canadian campuses. The NDP should not support a motion that conflicts with its values, but by the same token, it should stand up and speak out when expressions of hostility, like IAW, are made in our country."
Noting that the three other political parties represented in the House of Commons denounced one way or another Israël Apartheid Week, Mr Godwin was saddened to observe that the NDP had refused to join them on such an important issue.
"What we're asking for is the NDP to speak out to student groups and state that debate on the Middle East and other contentious issues should be encouraged on campus - but creating hostility and intimidation through IAW is not the way.
"Ontario NDP MPP Cheri Dinovo has led the way among progressives in Ontario to denounce IAW, and I know that she is in good company. Many New Democrats and Canadian progressives are looking a better way to find a solution to the conflict in the Middle East," concluded Mr. Godwin.
For further information: Matthew Godwin, Progressive Caucus for Peace, Cell: (416) 994-2128, Email: [email protected]
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