{UAH} DON'T PROMOTE TERRORISM WITH MARCHES THAT SUPPORT HAMAS

Don't promote terrorism with marches that support Hamas

National Post 13 hrs ago

 

© Provided by National Post People attend a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Montreal on May 15, 2021.

‘Firing thousands of missiles on predominantly civilian targets is nothing but an act of terror’

The pro-Palestinian rallies, in clear defiance of public health orders, took place in many Canadian cities. Although the right to a peaceful protest is clearly enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and should be always respected, it would be helpful to remind Canadians that these “Freedom for Palestine” protests took place at the time when the Israeli civil population was experiencing terrorist attacks of an unprecedented nature. Israeli cities were under the barrage of missile fire orchestrated by Hamas, which Canada and the U.S.A. classify as terrorist organization. More than 3,000 missiles were fired. Hamas aims at civilians, not military targets.

Although anyone can have their own opinion on the roots of the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has resulted in numerous wars, when the State of Israel was attacked by its Arab neighbours, one thing should be crystal clear — firing thousands of missiles on predominantly civilian targets is nothing but an act of terror. It is also obvious that such an act was carefully prepared; the numbers speak for themselves, and such amount of weaponry cannot be manufactured in a short time, on a short strip of land with limited industrial capabilities.

Those who today march the streets of Canadian cities with “Freedom to Palestine” placards are, in fact, promoting terrorism, as the shelling of a civilian population can, in the circumstances, have only that definition. This is not to say that full realization of the post-war UN plan of the creation two independent states in Palestine — one for the Jews and one for the Arabs — is not a legitimate goal, but simply to highlight the today’s realities.

To those who honestly believe that the triggering event was the eviction of seven Palestinian families from properties in Eastern Jerusalem, I can simply say that the state of Israel is a democracy, which has responsible government and independent courts of law, and the eviction was the result of a court order. As a practicing lawyer, I simply would like to add, that respect to court orders is one of the pillars of a civilized and democratic society. Court orders can be appealed, and the laws can be changed by acts of Parliament.

What I, as a lawyer, find most concerning is the participation, although yet very limited, of some Canadian politicians in such rallies. One of the speakers at the Newfoundland rally was St. John’s East NDP MP Jack Harris, the federal NDP’s foreign affairs critic, who said Canada hasn’t done enough to advance peace and justice in the Middle East. With all due respect, I am just amazed. Does Mr. Harris truly believes that supporting the Palestinian cause at a time when the cities of Israel are under constant missile attacks from the Gaza strip would advance peace and justice, or is it just an example of wilful blindness?

Yes, Canada has always stood for peace in the Middle East. The peace, however, cannot be advanced by supporting Hamas, a terrorist group that is clearly an aggressor today.

Pavel Boubnov, Halifax

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