JSpaceCanada

12/13/2023

OUR STATEMENT:
JSpaceCanada concerned about content of UNGA Ceasefire Resolution

While calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza are welcome, resolution failed to condemn Hamas or recognize necessity of a substantive peace plan

New York, NY - JSpaceCanada is concerned about Canada’s recent vote at the UN General Assembly: despite the crucial and necessary call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas and other militant groups, and for all parties to adhere to international law and rules of war, the resolution fails to include vital steps towards holding Hamas responsible or outlining a viable peace process.

“We are dismayed that condemnation of Hamas was not included in the resolution,” said JSpaceCanada Chair Joe Roberts. “The militant group controls the Gaza Strip and is responsible for the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 that claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis. We are additionally concerned that a call for a ceasefire without a comprehensive plan to guarantee the safety and security of Israelis and Palestinians in the long-term will lead simply to a resumption of the pre-October 7th status quo. Any call that fails to meet the terms set out in the tripartite statement issued by Prime Minister Trudeau earlier that same day is undeserving of Canada’s support.”

Despite these reservations, JSpaceCanada is still urging Israel to agree to another humanitarian pause or cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of additional hostages.

“Should another pause come into effect, Israel and its international allies should take advantage of the relative calm of that pause to reevaluate the tactics employed by Israeli forces in this conflict,” said Roberts. “Ensuring a just approach moving forward that seeks to remove Hamas from power while protecting civilian lives is the only possible way forward. For Israel to continue on its current path of devastation and deepening the catastrophic humanitarian crisis for millions of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza without seeking a long-term political solution, all but guarantees radicalization of the next generation and the survival of Hamas’ ideology.”

Israel and international players must recognize that the most effective way to counter Hamas is through a commitment to a two-state solution, and create comprehensive plans today to resume negotiations at once.

JSpaceCanada remains deeply concerned about Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent statements opposing the Oslo Accords, demonization of the Palestinian Authority, and continued attempts to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu’s strategy of strengthening Hamas while weakening the Palestinian Authority over his 10-plus years in power has proven to be an unequivocal failure. Further, his rhetoric indicating further intention to continue on this path will be detrimental to Israelis and Palestinians alike, as well as to the prospects of a two-state solution.

In light of these concerns, JSpaceCanada calls on Canada to commit to the tripartite statement along with Australia and New Zealand with tangible, concrete steps, emphasizing that a permanent cessation of fighting should only occur when Hamas is no longer a threat, all hostages are released, and a comprehensive plan for lasting peace is in place.

12/05/2023

Join us this Sunday, December 10 at 1pm EST/10am PST as we discuss the likelihood of a two-state solution following the Israel-Hamas war, the opportunities available, and the pitfalls and risks to avoid.

Our guest will be Palestinian political analyst and co-founder of the Agora Initiative, Khalil Sayegh.
https://www.jspacecanada.ca/from_here_two_states

10/16/2023

https://www.jspacecanada.ca/bring_hostages_home

10/08/2023

STATEMENT:

JSpaceCanada Condemns Violent Hamas Incursion Into Israel

Our hearts are broken this morning as we awoke to news of the of infiltration of dozens of terrorists into communities near the Gaza border and a barrage rocket fire against Israeli cities. These attacks are unprecedented and indiscriminate. As we watch with horror, we pray for the safety of our friends and our families in Israel, on what is perhaps one of the bloodiest days of violence in a generation.

At least 70 Israelis have been killed, over 900 wounded (at time of publication), more kidnapped and held hostage, and far too many forever scarred by this blatant act of aggression by Hamas. Our thoughts and our prayers are with today’s victims.

We stand united in solidarity with the people of Israel in this dark hour, and we call upon the Government of Canada and our international allies to condemn this act of war brought upon the people of Israel.

On this dark day, we pray for Israel’s armed forces to defend her people with strength and courage.

We recall the words of the prophet Isaiah as we pray for an end to this conflict, that “nation shall not raise sword against nation, neither shall they learn war.”

Our hearts are broken this morning as we awoke to news of the of infiltration of dozens of terrorists into communities near the Gaza border and a barrage rocket fire against Israeli cities. These attacks are unprecedented and indiscriminate. As we watch with horror, we pray for the safety of our fri...

06/26/2023

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: 𝗝𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸

JSpaceCanada condemns the ongoing terror attacks and riots perpetrated by occupied West Bank settlers that escalated in intensity last week.

We mourn the loss of four Israelis who were killed in an attack by a Palestinian gunman near the Jewish settlement of Eli earlier in the week and pray for the recovery of the additional four wounded.

While media outlets and officials have attributed the recent attack outside of Eli as a “trigger” for the escalation in violence, this is just the latest in a series l “revenge attacks” perpetrated by both Israeli settlers and Palestinians. This cycle will not diminish or end without a long-term commitment to a negotiated, just peace.

“We see once again that a hard-line, ultra-nationist right-wing Israeli government does not bring enhanced security or peace for Israel or its neighbours” said JSpaceCanada board chair, Joe Roberts. “We call on the Canadian government, as steadfast allies of Israel, to encourage de-escalation and a restoration of calm. Incitements to further violence - whether civilian or military - coming from the right-wing camp in Israel are counterintuitive to Canada’s foreign policy in the region, of working towards a two-state solution and de-escalation”

Successive Israeli governments' commitment to occupation as a status quo leads only to endless conflict and is devastating for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

We call on the Canadian government to do everything in its power to reduce tensions, deter destructive actions, and prevent further violence and suffering in accordance with its commitment to a just and negotiated two-state solution.

06/25/2023

📢 ANNOUNCEMENT 📢

We are pleased to announce an exciting development that we believe will advance Canadian foreign policy discourse on the future of Israel-Palestine. Jon Allen, formerly Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, has joined the JSpaceCanada Policy Centre as Chair — the only policy group in Canada exclusively focused on driving Canadian solutions and leadership in this critical foreign policy arena.

At JSpaceCanada, we firmly believe in the power of pro-Israel, pro-peace, and pro-democracy advocacy to create meaningful change. Our Policy Centre serves as a hub for intellectual discussion and analysis to inform and educate elected officials, policymakers, and passionate advocates. With Jon Allen and a JSpaceCanada policy team at work on these issues, our mission takes an important step forward.

Jon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role. His career representing Canada in foreign affairs saw him serve as Assistant Deputy Minister (Americas), Minister (Political Affairs) at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, and Ambassador to Israel and Spain. His experience as Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, and his advocacy and not-for-profit activities since including as Chair of Project Rozana Canada, stand him in good stead as he assists JSpaceCanada to drive change in the Canadian policy discourse and establish Canada as a global leader in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.

By convening and amplifying the work of diverse experts, the JSpaceCanada Policy Centre provides a vibrant platform for innovative ideas and insightful analysis. We are committed to moving beyond the mere description of challenges and actively driving forward diplomacy and conflict resolution. Together, we can forge a path towards a future of peace, democracy, and prosperity.
https://www.jspacecanada.ca/about_policy_centre

06/19/2023

🚨ACTION ALERT🚨

We are extremely concerned about the recent actions of Israel's ultra right-wing government, which has instituted a series of provocative measures that have shattered the already shaky status quo in the occupied West Bank. These steps aim to annex portions of the West Bank and remove judicial constraints on the government's executive powers.

The government's plan undermines the prospects of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the establishment of a viable two-state solution. These actions include annexation of occupied territory through a transfer of administrative powers from the Israeli military to civilian oversight, net new settlement construction on occupied land that serves to further isolate territories within a future Palestinian state by dividing the North West Bank from the South, as well as separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem, and "regularizing" and/or "legalizing" nine outposts in the occupied West Bank, despite their violation of both Israeli and international law.

The Netanyahu government also intends to connect numerous other currently illegal outposts to essential infrastructure such as water and electricity, provided by the Israeli state. The recently re-populated outpost of Homesh has already been granted water access, despite the neighbouring Palestinian villages having no access. Additionally, planning and zoning committees of Israel's Civil Administration in the occupied West Bank are approving the construction of thousands of new housing units within existing settlements. Thousands of additional units have already been approved and, depending on international reaction, many more may yet be approved.

These actions escalate tensions, significantly reduce the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and negatively impact on a daily basis the lives and rights of Palestinians living under occupation in the West Bank.

Please add your voice to ours, and demand that the Canadian government, as strong allies of Israel who believe in a two-state solution, prevent this disastrous advancement in the region.

https://www.jspacecanada.ca/prevent_settlement_expansion_and_annexation

06/13/2023

𝐉𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤

4000-plus units proposed for contested neighborhood will further endanger peace prospects.

JSpaceCanada has announced its strident opposition to news that Israel’s far-right governing coalition is set to announce significant expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank in defiance of the international community and in a move that will further set back the peace process.

“As a whole, Israel’s settlement enterprise in the West Bank has caused immense harm to the safety and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.” said JSpaceCanada Board Chair Joe Roberts, “this proposed expansion of settlements is designed to do nothing more than circumvent the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian territory and exacerbate violent conflicts between Israeli settlers and Palestinian communities.”

The plan seeks to build at least 4,000 units to expand several West Bank settlements. This comes following push-back from the far-right in response to the announcement that E1 construction is postponed. Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, of the Religious Zionist Party,a self-described “proud homophobe” who has made statements comparing the LGBTQ+ community to be******ty announced "we will have big news for the settlements in the West Bank imminently." The international community, including Canada, considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal under international law.

“This far-right coalition’s plan is an intentional impediment to peace and is designed to undermine efforts from Israelis, Palestinians, and the international community who have been working to sustain the hope of a just, negotiated two state solution,” said Roberts, “And we call on the Netanyahu government to abandon such a disastrous course of action."

The plan is yet another policy that has led a sizeable majority of Canadian Jews to (59%) respond that Israel’s government is heading in the wrong direction according to a recent JSpaceCanada/New Israel Fund of Canada survey of Canadian Jews conducted by EKOS Research Associates and Dr. Robert Brym. That same poll found that settlement expansion and the prospect of “creeping annexation” is opposed by Canadian Jews by a margin of 2 to 1.
https://www.jspacecanada.ca/proposed_settlement_expansion_in_the_west_bank

Toronto, ON - JSpaceCanada has announced its strident opposition to news that Israel’s far-right governing coalition is set to announce significant expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank in defiance of the international community and in a move that will further set back the peace proce...

06/12/2023

Join us this Sunday, June 18 at 11am EST for a webinar with Rabbis for Human Rights and Yesh Din ييش دين יש דין about the rise in settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

The current Israeli government has taken unilateral steps that have emboldened far-right settlers, such as the authorization to return to the previously-evacuated Northern West Bank, and has promised an increase in settlement expansion in the occupied territories.

Every day, Palestinian farmers and shepherds in the territories face settler harassment, violence, and abuse, and every day, Jewish activists from a variety of NGOs including Rabbis for Human Rights go out into the territories in an attempt to protect and shield the Palestinians from this abuse.

During this webinar, we'll talk about the overall context of settler violence and a view from the ground from both Jewish and Palestinian activists. We'll also hear from Rabbi Stacey Blank about how Jewish values inform the work and efforts on the ground.
https://www.jspacecanada.ca/rabbis_human_rights

RSVP for a webinar with the activists and organizers from Rabbis for Human Rights and Yesh Din who will speak to us about the rise in violence from Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank

06/05/2023

It's been 56 years since the six-day war and the beginning of Israeli occupation. What do we make of the Zionist identity at this critical juncture? Do we still need it, and what does it mean?
JSpaceCanada vice-chair Maytal Kowalski grapples with this question today in The Times of Israel
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/zionism-is-social-justice/

From the blog of Maytal Kowalski at The Times of Israel

05/16/2023

Our United in Opposition survey report says that Mr. Shimon Fogel, the President and CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), has publicly defended measures such as segregation in public spaces. Mr. Fogel has informed us that our statement is categorically false. Our statement was based on our honestly held interpretation of an interview of Mr. Fogel during a Canadian Jewish News’ podcast that Mr. Fogel and CIJA say is inaccurate. [https://thecjn.ca/podcasts/this-is-a-hair-on-fire-moment-why-canadian-jewish-leaders-are-worried-about-israels-new-government/] CIJA and Mr. Fogel clarified to us that they do not support gender segregation in public spaces. The New Israel Fund of Canada and JSpace have no hesitation in recognizing that Mr. Fogel is a widely respected professional who has dedicated decades of his life to Canada’s Jewish Community.

This week, Israel’s incoming prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, will announce the country’s cabinet ministers. It’s all but certain that this will comprise his coalition partners, including Bezalel Smotrich, an extreme right-wing politician who wants to take control of the entire West Bank an...

05/09/2023

STATEMENT: JSpaceCanada Concerned About Escalations of Violence in Gaza

JSpaceCanada is deeply saddened and horrified by the escalation in violence between the IDF and militants in Gaza. Israeli military forces have conducted operations in Gaza in response to rocket attacks perpetrated by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) as a result of the death of Khader Adnan. Adnan is believed to be a senior member of PIJ, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by multiple governments, including the government of Canada. He died following an 86-day hunger strike in an Israeli jail, in protest against being arrested and detained without trial.

Thus far, 12 Palestinians have been killed in IDF strikes: five women, four children, and three known militants. Three Israeli citizens were wounded, none killed. In a stunning and troubling reversal of established practice, the IDF has not issued any statement regretting the loss of life at this time.

The IDF’s initial limited response has been inflamed following the condemnation of a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the UN by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has himself previously been convicted of supporting an extreme right-wing terrorist organization, Kach. Ben-Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party announced a boycott of Knesset votes in response to the ceasefire.

“Make no mistake, the purpose of this escalation in Gaza is to strengthen the coalition and keep Netanyahu and his extremist allies in power.” said Joe Roberts, Chair of JSpaceCanada. “While Israel, like any sovereign country, has the right to defend itself, these raids do nothing to keep Israelis or Palestinians safe and only serve to strengthen the resolve of militant organizations. It is the innocent civilians on all sides — those most vulnerable — who lose the most.”

Said Roberts “It is important that we fight back against the creeping extremism and violence coming from the current Israeli government. We have serious concerns and questions as to whether this operation protects Israeli citizens. This government has been looking for any opportunity to distract the hundreds of thousands of Israelis protesting its antidemocratic policy agenda, and it appears that they are willing to put Israeli soldiers and citizens in danger to do so.”

At JSpaceCanada, our thoughts are with the people of Israel and Gaza — including so many of our own friends, families, and partners — who are living through this nightmare.

JSpaceCanada unequivocally condemns both the killing of innocent women and children by the IDF and the indiscriminate rocket attacks on civilians perpetrated by the PIJ.

“There is no military solution that will solve a political crisis, and these escalations serve only to cause devastation and fear for both Palestinians and Israelis.” said Roberts.

“We urge the Canadian government to recommit to working towards a negotiated and just two-state solution and play an active role in peacemaking in the region. With the threat of a multifront conflict looming, lives are at stake and international pressure is of the essence to bring down the temperature and restore the status quo.”
https://www.jspacecanada.ca/statement_escalations_of_violence_in_gaza

Toronto, ON - JSpaceCanada is deeply saddened and horrified by the escalation in violence between the IDF and militants in Gaza. Israeli military forces have conducted operations in Gaza in response to rocket attacks perpetrated by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) as a result of the death of Khader A...

04/26/2023

On Israel's 75 anniversary of independence JSpaceCanada vice-chair Maytal Kowalski reflects on how we support - and fight for - this country.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/patriotism-is-more-than-fireworks/

From the blog of Maytal Kowalski at The Times of Israel

04/17/2023

Why are the architects of Israel's dangerous judicial overhaul being invited to speak at the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly?
We're standing in solidarity with our friends at UnXeptable - Saving the Israeli Democracy to tell the Jewish Federations of North America: 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗮𝗵𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗻'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄!
https://www.jspacecanada.ca/jewish_federation_open_letter

03/05/2023

It was an absolute pleasure to host Dr. Khalil Shikaki, director, Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research for an online discussion today about the trends in Palestinian society.

We discussed the future of the PA, what happens after Abbas, the feasibility of the two-state solution, and more.

You can check out the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pvIWT2E3o

On Sunday, March 5 2023, JSpaceCanada hosted Dr. Khalil Shikaki, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research to discuss the results of ...

03/01/2023

We are upset, appalled, and disgusted by the increasingly inflammatory and racist rhetoric used by Bezalel Smotrich and other extremist MKs.

These statements are out of step with Canadian values and Jewish values. Our Jewish institutional leaders as well as political leaders should harshly condemn this rhetoric and refuse to meet with these MKs if/when they come to Canada.

02/19/2023

STATEMENT: Tabling the First Bill of Judicial Reform in the Knesset

The Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to table the first of a series of ‘judicial reform’ bills in the Knesset tomorrow, Monday, February 20th. This bill, and the additional proposed legislation that follows, seeks not to expand democracy and the rule of law for citizens of Israel and those living under its occupation in the Palestinian Territories, but rather limit the independence of Israel’s judiciary, the checks and balances that come with it, and civilian recourse under the law.

On behalf of a plurality of the Canadian Jewish community, and in solidarity with the dozens of Canadian jurists who signed an open letter including seven former Supreme Court Justices and a former Minister of Justice, and the chorus of diplomats from steadfast allies of the State of Israel, JSpaceCanada strongly condemns this legislation.

JSpaceCanada calls on the duly elected government of Canada, representing the fourth largest Jewish community in the world, to issue a statement of condemnation on the attempts to weaken Israeli democracy and erode the shared values between our two nations. An independent judiciary is the bedrock of the rules-based international order, and as a strong ally of Israel and its people, we implore the government of Canada to make its opposition clear.
https://www.jspacecanada.ca/statements/2023/2/19/statement-tabling-the-first-bill-of-judicial-reform-in-the-knesset

The Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to table the first of a series of ‘judicial reform’ bills in the Knesset tomorrow, Monday, February 20th. This bill, and the additional proposed legislation that follows, seeks not to expand democracy and the rule of law for c...

02/14/2023

Join us on Sunday March 5 for an online discussion about the future of Palestinian-Israeli relations, the future of the Palestinian Authority, and the role public opinion plays in peace-making with Dr. Khalil Shikaki, Director, Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtf-yppz8rH9MtQYFqgO6K-gmd-xmbC5qT