The World Beyond

Action Alert

Action Alert

This weekend (May 27-28, 2006), CUPE Ontario approved a resolution supporting "the international campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of international law including the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194." A common-sense assessment of CUPE Ontario's decision leads Canadians to ask the following questions:
  • • Last summer, Israel withdrew its settlements from Gaza and the northern West Bank. A new Israeli government has just been elected on a platform of continuing this disengagement process. Why would CUPE Ontario call for a boycott that will punish Israelis just as these important steps are being taken?
  • • The Palestinian election of a Hamas-dominated government that supports terrorism and is committed to the destruction of Israel has led to an economic crisis; international aid has correctly been denied to this recognized terrorist organization. Concerned Canadians should be looking to offer humanitarian help to the Palestinians, not to punish Israelis. Why would CUPE Ontario fail to use its voice in a constructive way?
  • • CUPE Ontario's resolution calls for the unlimited return of refugees to Israel. It is well recognized that this approach would spell the end of a Jewish state. Why is CUPE Ontario adopting this extreme position ?

  • WE CALL UPON CANADIANS TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS

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  • • Canadians should contact the leadership of CUPE Ontario and denounce this decision. Messages to CUPE Ontario can be sent to:
  • Sid Ryan, President CUPE Ontario: sryan@cupe.on.ca CUPE Ontario Executive Members akirby@cupe.on.ca Katherine Nastovski, Chair, CUPE Ontario International Solidarity Committee knastov_@_yahoo.com
  • • Canadian clergy should use their pulpits this weekend to call upon their congregants to contact CUPE Ontario and denounce this decision.
  • • All organizations should forward this note to their distribution lists.
  • • We are heartened by the numerous calls of concern that we have received from CUPE Ontario and other union members. CUPE Ontario members should immediately communicate with their local leadership to express their dissapproval of this resolution and to indicate that it does not represent their point of view.