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We call for respect for international law, and respect for the human rights and self-determination of Palestinians, as a fundamental precondition for an end to hostilities.
Ottawa (13 May 2021) —The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is adding its voice to those who are speaking out about the escalating violence in Israel and Palestinian territories.
We call for an end to the killing of all civilians, including children, and unarmed activists.
Israel is an occupying power with far superior weaponry and a large, well equipped army. The totally disproportionate use of this superior force to inflict vastly disproportionate harm on Palestinian civilians is unacceptable.
Violations of international law, human rights
The latest protests have emerged in response to Israel’s forced displacement of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, despite the fact that it violates international law.
NUPGE condemns the Israeli forces’ violent repression of Palestinian demonstrators, including the attacks at al-Aqsa Mosque.
“We join with people around the world, including those in Israel who are fighting for peace with justice for Palestinians, in condemning the provocations by the outgoing Netanyahu government, and radical Israeli settlers, that have led to the current outbreak of violence,” said Larry Brown, NUPGE President.
Commentators, including within Israel, have even speculated that the provocation of hostilities was, in part, aimed at bolstering Netanyahu’s political position after he was unable to form a new government.
Resect of international law, human rights must be fundamental
We call for respect for international law, and respect for the human rights and self-determination of Palestinians, as a fundamental precondition for an end to hostilities.
Addressing the elephant in the room
“Let us be frank,” said Brown. “There are some who would equate every criticism of the Israeli government as being based on anti-Semitism.”
“We reject that argument. That argument ignores the millions of Jewish people and organizations—in Israel/Palestine and around the world—that have spoken out against the policies of the current Israeli government, and have instead worked for peace and for justice.”
Joining the call for peace with justice
We join that call for peace, peace with justice for Palestinians.
And we call on the Canadian government to condemn the violent repression and the forced displacement of Palestinian people, to ensure that Israel is held accountable on the international stage.