John Sewell's opposition to CUPE's motion to boycott Isrreal

The Ontario branch of the Canadian Union of Public Employees passed a motion early this year calling for economic sanctions against Israel. That motion was to be debated at the Union Church’s General Conference in mid-August.

John Sewell wrote the following letter to United Church delegates in early August. At the Conference, after the intervention of many people including a number of leaders of the Jewish community, the delegates decided to substantially amend the motion.

***
John Sewell 50 Baldwin Street, Toronto ON M5T 1L4 Tel.416-977-5097 <j.sewell@on.aibn.com>


August 3, 2006.

To United Church delegates

I am writing concerning Proposal GS2, and specifically the proposed motion on page 281 of the Commission document for the General Council in Thunder Bay beginning August 13.

I realize that it is somewhat odd for a non-member of the United Church to hope to find a voice before you, but my long association with United Church members has emboldened me to write.

Proposal GS2 suggests contributing to “the realization of a just peace in Palestine and Israel” by, among other things, “engaging in a process of selective, phased disinvestment with Canadian and international companies” that are involved in various activities related to settlements and occupied land.

My perspective on Proposal GS2 regarding disinvestment comes out of discussion with my neighbours, many of whom are Jewish. This matter has been a topic of local discussion since it has received considerable media coverage in Toronto, particularly because of a similar position advocated by the Ontario branch of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

The main impact of the motion will not be on the nations of the world or even corporate leaders – the main impact will be the message it sends to people in Canada, particularly Jews, about the position of the United Church. I believe that if passed, this motion will make Jews in Toronto (and other cities) more fearful for their future.

I know that many of my Jewish neighbours often feel under attack. They hear the countless statements from around the world of how Israel should be destroyed, they learn of the many threats and incidents of violence against Jews, particularly with the rise of radical Islam. The threat is personal, and also to Jewish institutions. To be Jewish, even in Canada, and whatever one’s position on the policies of the government of Israel, is to feel under the gun. Proposal GS2 does not address or help allay those fears or lessen those threats.

We must remember the context in which this motion will be interpreted. British commentator Timothy Garten Ash, in an opinion piece in the Globe and Mail on July 27, 2006, recounted the examples of extraordinary anti-semitism during the past century which have resulted in the creation of Israel as a place Jews can call `home’, and the decision that Jews would never go as lambs to the slaughter, but “As Israelis, they would fight for the life of every single fellow Jew.” He then states “I don’t think any European should speak or write about today’s conflict in the Middle East without displaying some consciousness of their own historical responsibility.” I believe that statement also applies to Canadians.

The effect of this motion for many Jews – and for me - will be the conclusion that Jews are once again being held to high standards not expected of others. The feeling of prejudice against Jews – that is, anti-semitism - is reinforced. Explanations might be given about how what is proposed is `logical’ and `reasonable’, but they are rationalizations.

Irwin Cotler, the renowned human rights lawyer, and recent Minister of Justice in Paul Martin’s Cabinet, has spoken most clearly about new forms of anti-semitism. He makes the point that while the state of Israel must be held accountable to the norms of international law, it should not be held to high standards not expected of other nations. In that tangled political situation in the Middle East, great care must be taken to ensure that the key message heard by Jews is not that they are being discriminated against once more.

I believe that if passed, Proposals GS 2 will be interpreted by people of goodwill of whatever religion as another example of prejudice, and for that reason I would ask you to consider setting it aside and not passing it.

I know the United Church wants to express solidarity with the Jewish community in Canada, as well as with the Palestinian community. I believe this motion will not help in that regard. It does not rebuke or punish those who deny Israel’s right to exist. Israel alone is specifically targeted for economic punishment. At a local level – my neighbourhood in Toronto, for instance, this will not allay fears among the Jewish community toward their personal or collective safety and security.

A fresh start should be taken, perhaps by carefully considering voices like those of Irwin Cotler who, in writing about new forms of anti-semitism, states the old truth that “while the persecution and discrimination may begin with Jews, it doesn’t end with Jews.”

Yours very truly,

John Sewell.