I have been reading emails from community members and my office and I have had the chance to talk with many of you too. Given the number of emails and phone calls, this is a single email that I am sending to everyone who has written to me about the war. It builds on my past letters which can be found on my website

We are now over 100 days into the war between Israel and Hamas with no end in sight. The breadth of the violence since October 7th has been heartbreaking and has us all searching for answers and thinking of how Canada can play a role in the solutions.

These conflicts are not black and white, as I have seen it portrayed online. I have received many calls and emails that seek to minimize the experiences of Israeli or Palestinian people. This is hurtful and unhelpful. There are many innocent people in Israel and Gaza who are suffering greatly, and I believe our duty is to focus on how to support them to a place where they can live in peace and to heal.

I have had some specific questions from many community members that I hope to address below.

My Vision for the Region

People have asked me if I am pro-Israel or pro-Palestine. I support the continued existence of Israel. I also support the creation of an independent Palestinian state. I want to see lasting peace in this region. I believe that there will be no lasting peace in the region without finding a path towards a two-state solution that has Israel and Palestine existing side by side with assurances to each other’s security.

Calling for a Ceasefire

Canada voted for a ceasefire at the UN and released a joint statement with Australia and New Zealand setting out our position on what we see as essential elements of a ceasefire. I provided input into that joint statement. Despite this vote, people continue to demand a ceasefire. Canada, as a middle power, cannot in and of itself bring an end to the fighting.

There are many ongoing conflicts around the world at this very moment. Canada can be a part of the diplomatic solutions and can provide aid. As we see greater uncertainty in the world Canada will need to work with other like-minded countries to bring balance and security. The road to peace will be through diplomacy.

Sale of Arms to Israel

The Canadian government does not provide any weapons to Israel. The only country to which we send weapons is Ukraine. There are military manufacturers in Canada who sell to many countries around the world. In 2022, the top non-US destinations for military goods and technology by value were in descending order: Saudi Arabia, Germany, UK, Poland, India, Qatar, Ukraine, Korea, Australia, France, Taiwan and Japan. There can be a larger conversation about how we feel about these industries, but the exports are governed by international treaties.

Support the South African Genocide Case against Israel

I have also had a lot of questions about the South African application to the International Court of Justice to declare Israel’s actions in Gaza an act of genocide. I respect the court process and will watch carefully but I am very uncomfortable with the judgement sought. I invite you to read the op-ed by former Supreme Court Justice, Rosalie Abella last week in the Globe and Mail (you can also see this below.) There are many wars occurring around the world at this very moment that are causing mass deaths, and these have not triggered the same type of application.

I am disturbed when I see people cheering countries such as Iran being supportive of the application and using them as an example of a country that supports human rights. They are not.

As the world’s only Jewish country, levelling the term genocide towards Israel brings with it a lot of baggage and hurt. This court application doesn’t move us any closer to saving lives on the ground.

The Canada-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group

There are many Parliamentary friendship groups and associations. I am the Chair of the Canada-Albania Parliamentary Friendship group, the Co-Chair of the Canada-Belgium Friendship group, a Vice Chair of the Canada-Hellenic Parliamentary Friendship Group, and the past Chair of the Canada-Nepal Friendship group. I am also a member of other friendship groups including Canada-Ukraine, and Canada-Israel.

The groups do not provide a direct line to the governments of the other countries and does not create an avenue for Canadian MPs to dictate policies in the friendship country. The work done by each of these friendship groups varies but is usually limited to opportunities to learn more about each other’s countries, host events that celebrate national days or historic moments, and to have conversations with diplomatic representatives.

A Rise in Antisemitism

There has been a rise of antisemitism that is without precedent. Jewish people, regardless of how they feel about the war, are worried. As a member of the Jewish community, I have witnessed and felt this directly. I implore everyone to think about the words we use and the actions we take to express our feelings and opinions about the war.

A war that started in the Middle East has extended into hate in our own backyard. The level of intolerance continues to be a major concern in neighborhoods throughout Canada, including Toronto-Danforth.

We as a community must strive to do better. The Toronto-Danforth community, our community, must strive to do better. We always have. I have seen this in our approach to many difficult issues. The current war between Israel and Hamas may be our biggest challenge and I welcome your ideas as to how we can address the increasing hate we are seeing in our community and our country.