A small classroom in Sidney Smith played host to a discussion of perhaps one of the most heated topics in the world today—the impact of imperialism on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The audience greeted the talk, entitled “End the Occupation: Palestine, Israel and Imperialism,” with mixed feelings. but most seemed happy the conflict was being discussed.
“It’s important to explain the complexities of the situation,” said Jonathan Hodge, one of the organizers of the forum. “The intention is to provide food for thought and cut at the underlying realities of why the region has been a hot spot since World War Two.”
The discussion was co-sponsored by the International Socialists and Al-Awda, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition in Canada. The focus was on the Palestine refugee problem; the speakers affirmed that the presence and influence of Western nations has affected the treatment of Palestinians both in and outside the region.
Mughir Hindi, speaker from Al-Awda, called for an international resolution to the crisis. “Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights gives all Palestinians the right to return.
This and other international treaties entitle Palestinians and other refugees to full restitution.”
Abbie Bakan, from the International Socialists, remarked on the cynical outlook that young activists now have on the peace process.
“We want to attract people who are activists (those concerned about the war) and continue solidarity with the Palestinian Intifada.”
“It is also a way of providing an arena for discussion and unpacking some of the myths in the media that have been one-sided,” she said. Bakan believes imperialism has provoked and compelled the development of the new Intifada, a movement to end the military occupation in Palestine.
This uprising pushed the media to be more truthful with its coverage of the war, according to Bakan. “We need to continue to support organized solidarity to defend Palestine, here and abroad. The voice of opposition must be heard.”
Some listeners were critical. One student remarked, “If peace existed, Israelis would want it just as much as Palestinians. We must remember all victims. There are people being killed on both sides.”
The reactions on the forum were mixed. Ablimit Kerim observed the poor attendance of students that evening, but thought it went well, regardless. “I was active in university, but I’d like to see more young people at these kinds of discussions. I don’t think Canadians have a strong political opinion.”
Third-year student Muna Khan came to find out more about the issue. She feels the current situation in Palestine is unjust, saying,
“This discussion provided more truth than the media accounts.” In contrast, first-year student Yoav Kogan said.
“It was not a well-rounded panel. Only one side of the story was presented.”
