​Rev. Steve Berube, chair of UNJPPI, shared a follow-up letter to Minister Goodale to apologize for his reliance on an erroneous report in the Jerusalem Post, noting that the meeting "occurred inside of the internationally recognized borders of Israel."

October 17, 2017
 
Dear Minister,
 
When I was in Palestine and Israel four years ago as a human rights observer, I quickly determined the best way to introduce myself to most others was to say, “Hi, my name is Steve Berube. I am a Canadian and I would like to apologize about my government.”
 
Many Israelis, Palestinians and internationals asked me what had happened to the Canadian government. They asked, why was our government so pro-Israel and anti-Palestinian in comparison to our traditional role as honest broker? Why had Canada fallen out of step with European nations and turned a blind eye on Israeli violations of human rights and the rule of international law with respect to Palestine? I was ashamed of how the previous government had abandoned our traditional diplomatic position rooted in John Peters Humphrey and Lester Pearson. This led me to apologize for Canada when I introduced myself.
 
Sir, I need to apologize to you and through you to foreign affairs officials. An erroneous report in the Jerusalem Post led me to believe that you met with an Israeli cabinet minister in occupied East Jerusalem. I was pleased and relieved to learn that the meeting occurred inside of the internationally recognized borders of Israel.
 
I reacted harshly and should not have relied on a single media report.  I apologize for my criticism.  
 
My initial reaction was rooted in the reality that many Canadians and I hoped your government would revert to a more balanced position vis-a-vis Palestine and Israel.

The installation of Gov. General Julie Payette reminded us of the importance of signs and symbols. Remembrance Day reminds us of Canada’s history of support for peace and justice internationally. 

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale recently attended a meeting in occupied East Jerusalem. This was a symbolic pat on the back for the Netanyahu government and a slap in the face to Palestinians.

In December, the UN Security Council chastised Israel for its ongoing violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention.   

The meeting occurred shortly after the Israelis demolished four elementary schools in Palestine. In response, the Belgian deputy Prime Minister condemned this action, “By undermining such humanitarian projects, Israel contravenes its international obligations as an occupying power.” (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-destroys-west-bank-palestinian-schools-new-term-belgium-netherlands-compensation-a7912186.html)

These actions are tantamount to collective punishment targeting vulnerable Palestinian children and will inflame tensions for generations to come.

As a former human rights observer in the West Bank, I witnessed on a daily basis Israeli violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws. It was especially disturbing to witness the intimidation tactics of the Israeli military against Palestinian children including arresting and putting on trial children as young as 12 in Military Courts.

Minister Goodale needs to explain this significant breech of diplomatic protocol. After all, would he meet with Russian officials in the occupied parts of Georgia? Does his government reject the concerns of the Security Council? This meeting tarnishes Canada’s reputation as an honest broker for peace.

This Canadian government needs to stand up for human rights around the world – especially for the rights of children. 
 
Rev. Steve Berube
Chair: United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel