Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Re: Guarding the Green gates, Sept. 13.

We are saddened by the scurrilous, inaccurate characterization of Dr. Qais Ghanem and his proposed resolution submitted to a Green Party of Canada policy convention.

Yes, the resolution does call for the withdrawal of Israel to its 1967 borders. It also calls for a halt to all violent actions on both sides as do United Nations resolutions to which Israel is a signatory.

It also suggests that the peace plan put forward by the Arab League in 2002 and reiterated in 2007 calling for full normalization of relations between Arab countries and Israel once Israelis and Palestinians reach agreement, be adopted as a framework for a final agreement. Is this anti-Israel? Is it anti-Semitic? Hardly.

Does columnist Leonard Stern deny that there is a high degree of media concentration? What percentage of the daily press does Canwest own in Canada or does Rupert Murdoch own in the United States? Dr. Ghanem may feel that there is a pro-Israel bias, many dispute that characterization and argue the opposite. Anti-Israel? Hardly.

The Green Party is not just about the environment; it is about a full approach to governing including a non-biased foreign policy.

Dr. Ghanem is the founder of a Jewish-Arab dialogue group, Potlucks for Peace. His views are well known to the undersigned members as being passionate, articulate and sensitive to the understanding of the "other." Strong and conflicting views are often expressed during monthly meetings and annual public events during which Dr. Ghanem's role would be characterized by the most singular proponents of one side or the other as being geared entirely to conflict resolution, human rights and justice for all.

Members of Potlucks For Peace consider themselves Semites, and one of our objectives is to counter anti-Semitism in all our activities.

It is our firm belief that a published apology by Mr. Stern is in order. Failing to do so would indicate that the barbarians are within your ranks.

Christopher Assad,

Ottawa

Brian Rothberg,

Ardoch, Ont.

Members, Potlucks for Peace

© The Ottawa Citizen 2008