Jerusalem debate inflamed
Re Trump ignites anger across Muslim world, Dec. 7 The Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims (CAJM) strongly condemns U.S. President Donald Trump’s ill-advised declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. We are joined by the echoes of dismay and indignation the world over.
Trump’s imprudent statement risks destroying the cherished hopes for a two-state resolution held by many Israelis and Palestinians, and indeed Jews and Muslims the world over.
It exacerbates the frustration of those who have worked for decades to build bridges of co-operation, in the knowledge that a peaceful outcome depends on negotiations that respect both sides’ historic ties to Jerusalem.
Trump’s misguided statement could fan the flames of violence and bring harm to innocent lives. It may be Trump’s attempt to divert attention from his domestic troubles, but the consequences will certainly increase the marginalization of both the U.S. and Israel in the international community.
This irresponsible move immediately drew an angry response from Britain and France, two close allies and key members of the UN Security Council, NATO, the EU, as well as the Pope.
CAJM shares the fear that this declaration will strengthen extremists and complicate an already delicate situation in a volatile region of the world.
The muted response from the Canadian government to this inflammatory act is disappointing. We urge Prime Minster Justin Trudeau to condemn Trump’s declaration unequivocally. Canada can play a constructive role as a neutral facilitator, ready to support both Jewish Israelis and Palestinians who still hold fast to the hope of peace in the Holy Land.
and Barbara Landau, co-chairs, Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims, Mississauga Donald Trump is taking double speak to new heights by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital while claiming U.S. support for a two-state peace solution.
Stating that this is only a “recognition of reality” hides the insidious truth that it is the U.S. that enables this reality.
First, it continues to block any UN resolution to even condemn the growth and expansion of illegal settlements, giving Israel carte blanche to keep doing just that.
Second, it heavily funds and arms Israel, making it an oppressive occupier able to maintain military checkpoints throughout Palestine with a brutal siege of Gaza.
A two-state solution will elude us if international law gives way to recognition of stolen land. Ali Manji, Thornhill I find myself asking why Canada did not join the rest of the world in denouncing Donald Trump’s decision on Jerusalem. Canada has always believed that the Palestinians deserve better than what they get from Israel and the United States. Yet Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland barely whispered our support for the Palestinian cause. Poor little Canada, cowtowing to the bully in the White House, again. Joe Spence, Ottawa U.S. President Donald Trump’s official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and announcement to move the U.S. embassy there should be viewed as a day of infamy — right alongside Pearl Harbor. Alan Pellettier, Scarborough
“This declaration states the obvious, as Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. The Israeli parliament, supreme court and federal government offices are located in Jerusalem.” MIRIAM SNOWBELL THORNHILL
On one hand, this declaration states the obvious, as Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. The Israeli parliament, supreme court and federal government offices are located in Jerusalem. More importantly, Israel, a sovereign nation, has always stated Jerusalem to be its capital.
On the other hand, this declaration is an act of kindness and bravery, as the nations of the world have not had the decency to formally accept Israel’s will.
It is hard to understand the absence of global recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
After all, is only under the rule of Israel that the adherents to all three main monotheistic faiths have been able to live, work, play and pray freely in Jerusalem. Only under Israeli control has Jerusalem been so open to global tourism.
Unfortunately, the reality is that for those of us who acknowledge the correctness of this recognition, we cannot simply celebrate and appreciate.
Instead, we have to shudder and be fearful of what the negative reaction of the Muslim world will be against Israelis, Jews and Americans.
Peace in the region will only be achieved when the Muslim world accepts the actuality of Israel as a selfdetermining state that has a right to exist and thrive and to declare its own capital. That acceptance is in the hands of Muslim leadership. Miriam Snowbell, Thornhill The real facts are that not recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel for the past 40 years has not brought peace to the region. By maintaining the status quo, does anyone really think there will ever be peace? So why would the U.S. agreeing that Jerusalem is the capital suddenly make the peace process an impossible feat? Allen Stern, Thornhill