United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel
September 13-15, 2019 Ottawa
2019 Gathering
Featured Presenters at the Gathering
Libby Davies - Political Lobbying
Libby Davies, former NDP Member of Parliament, presented a session on what blocks politicians from taking stronger action. Her book, “Outside In”, has a chapter about her experience around Palestine as well as a chapter on action for transformation. In the chapter “Back to Third” she muses on how progressive politicians and activists can work together. Libby Davies is a former Canadian politician from British Columbia. She represented the federal riding of Vancouver East from 1997 to 2015 under the New Democratic Party banner. She was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2016 and was Canada's first openly lesbian MP.
Diana Ralph - Antisemitism Diana Ralph presented a session on Antisemitism.
Ms Ralph is a retired Associate Professor of Social Work at Carleton University and the University of Regina. She founded Independent Jewish Voices-Canada in 2008 to provide a Jewish alternative to the Israel Lobby. IJV stands for justice for Palestinians and it especially supports Palestine solidarity groups like UNJPPI against claims that Palestine solidarity is anti-Semitic. She participated at the founding conference of UNJPPI and she has continued to work in solidarity with us. Diana is on the board of her synagogue, Or Haneshamah, and she serves as the only Canadian member of Reconstructing Judaism's Joint Israel Commission.
Tom Beilman - How Are The Children
Tom Beilman of the United Church of Christ (US) told us how they developed their How are the Children video and print resources with the full participation and support of their top church leaders. They are committed to providing strong leadership in an effort to end the violations of human rights and international law experienced by Palestinian children under Israeli military occupation.
What happens to children is a concern to most people. Sharing information about what is happening to Palestinian children is one of the most effective ways to inform people of the oppression Palestinians endure under the Israeli military occupation.
More Videos
Omar Haramy - on Kumi Now
We were hoping to have with us in Ottawa, Omar Haramy, a Palestinian church leader who can encourage Canadians to offer stronger solidarity as Palestinians struggle for justice and the recognition of their rights under international law. Unfortunately, Omar was not able to attend the Gathering in person. However, he was able to join us via Skype. In this presentation, he spoke about the Kumi Now initiative by Sabeel.
Ahmed Abu Artema on The Great March of Return in Gaza