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The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement against Israel and the Criminalisation of Free Speech
In what appears to be another attempt to suppress criticism of Israel, the Canadian government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Israel which makes the claim that “the selective targeting of Israel is the new face of anti-Semitism” and declares that Canada will oppose those who support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Shortly after the MOU was signed, Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney announced to the UN General Assembly that the Canadian government would exercise “zero tolerance” toward “all forms of discrimination including rhetoric towards Israel, and attempts to delegitimise Israel such as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.”
From an Independent Jewish Voices – Canada (IJV) statement.
Despite the embarrassing and shameful sight of their political leaders continually rushing to fawn and genuflect at the feet of the pro-Israeli lobby, there has been a growing international coalition of principled individuals — such as the (http://www.bdsmovement.net) — who are opposed not only to Israel’s belligerent disregard for international law and human rights, but also to its undisguised subversion of the democratic process in countries that are supposedly allies. In response to this audacious threat of people’s opposition to political corruption that precludes respect for human rights and justice, Israel and its political allies have chosen to respond with legislation — Bill C-51 for example — designed to intimidate and suppress such opposition by either threatening to use or by actually using legal punishments. Nowhere is this iniquitous ploy more evident than in Canada where slippery Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s right-wing government is widely regarded as Israel’s strongest bought and paid for ally.
Fortunately for Canada and its democracy, not all Canadians are prepared to quietly acquiesce to the surrender of their right to free speech and the IJV’s positive initiative has resulted in over 80 organisations — including major trade unions, and labour councils along with civil liberty, anti-war, religious and student groups — endorsing the statement: “We, the undersigned organisations, oppose attempts by the Canadian government to criminalise criticism of or opposition to the actions of any country.”
Philosophers stone – selected views from the boat
http://philosophers-stone.co.uk
Source: http://philosophers-stone.co.uk/wordpress/2015/04/the-boycott-divestment-and-sanctions-bds-movement-against-israel-and-the-criminalisation-of-free-speech/
