IJV Letter to Senator Munson
July 5, 2012
Dear Senator Munson,
Elizabeth Block forwarded your email to me in which you mention that you would be willing to meet with those in Independent Jewish Voices to explain why we support the recommendations of the United Church of Canada's Working Group on Israel/Palestine Policy. I and other members of IJV would be glad to meet with you and other Senators who signed the letter to Mardi Tindal.
The contents of your letter suggest that you have been approached by the Council on Israel and Jewish Advocacy (CIJA). As we explain in the attached "IJV Response to UCC Working Group on Israel-Palestine Report" the CIJA analysis is deeply flawed and self-serving. CIJA does not represent the majority of Canadian Jews. Rather it is a highly partisan political lobby organization which uncritically supports the current government of Israel. You may have been participated in one of their or CJC sponsored tours of Israel. Those also provide a highly skewed perspective of the true relationship between Israel and Palestinian people. As a decorated journalist and as a respected Senator, I hope that you would not knowingly allow yourself and your position to be used for unethical purposes. I appreciate your offer to hear from Jews who do not agree with CIJA.
I invite you to read our response and look forward to meeting with you and other Senators, if possible, to listen to your concerns and questions and to offer an alternative perspective.
Sincerely,
Diana Ralph
Assistant Coordinator
Independent Jewish Voices Canada
Dear Senator Munson,
Elizabeth Block forwarded your email to me in which you mention that you would be willing to meet with those in Independent Jewish Voices to explain why we support the recommendations of the United Church of Canada's Working Group on Israel/Palestine Policy. I and other members of IJV would be glad to meet with you and other Senators who signed the letter to Mardi Tindal.
The contents of your letter suggest that you have been approached by the Council on Israel and Jewish Advocacy (CIJA). As we explain in the attached "IJV Response to UCC Working Group on Israel-Palestine Report" the CIJA analysis is deeply flawed and self-serving. CIJA does not represent the majority of Canadian Jews. Rather it is a highly partisan political lobby organization which uncritically supports the current government of Israel. You may have been participated in one of their or CJC sponsored tours of Israel. Those also provide a highly skewed perspective of the true relationship between Israel and Palestinian people. As a decorated journalist and as a respected Senator, I hope that you would not knowingly allow yourself and your position to be used for unethical purposes. I appreciate your offer to hear from Jews who do not agree with CIJA.
I invite you to read our response and look forward to meeting with you and other Senators, if possible, to listen to your concerns and questions and to offer an alternative perspective.
Sincerely,
Diana Ralph
Assistant Coordinator
Independent Jewish Voices Canada