Facebook post shared by Niloufar Pourzand
Avi Lewis is at Scarborough.
When he was Canada’s ambassador to the UN from 1984-88, Dad was truly shocked by the regularity of open, vitriolic antisemitism in the cocktail parties and ambassadorial receptions that surround that crucial but flawed institution.
For this reason (among others) he’s always been the one in our family with the deepest atavistic fear of antisemitism. He was sympathetic to the idea of Israel as a refuge longer than the rest of us.
This is no longer the case. Like so many Jews who for decades adopted the dominant narratives of Zionism, he can no longer defend the current actions of the state of Israel.
He now regards Israel as a rogue state, committing genocide and other crimes against humankind, which ought to be opposed by every tool and tactic in Canada's diplomatic arsenal.
To return to the personal, seven years ago my Dad was diagnosed with a vicious cancer and was given as little as 3 months to live. It’s a sublime understatement to say that he’s a fighter - but he has persevered in life with a tenacity familiar from his political, diplomatic and humanitarian pursuits.
Which brings us to this morning, when at 87 years old, he spent an hour standing at the side of the road in his old riding of Scarborough West. Standing up as a Jew against genocide. Standing up for justice for Palestine. Standing up on the right side of history, where the vast majority of humanity currently stands.
I’ve never been prouder, never more humble before the stubborn principle and insistent moral clarity of the guy I’m so lucky to call Dad.
People of Canada: don’t stop talking about Palestine.
Starvation as collective punishment can never be forgiven.
Burning and burying children alive can never be defended.
Stand up against genocide until we make it stop!
Thanks Dad.
And special thanks to Charlie Angus/The Resistance for shining his spotlight on Ted Schmidt and the other excellent folks who gather every Thursday at 8 am at the corner of Victoria Park and Kingston Road in Scarborough.
Bravo, dear Stephen - so good to see your picture in protest and your principled stance on what is considered a "sensitive" issue.
ReplyDeleteI recall with great admiration your courageous and principled stance on many important but controversial issues, including when you served as Canadian Ambassador to the UN, when we worked together at UNICEF, and when you served as UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS, and led the Rwanda genocide panel. Never afraid to tell the inconvenient truths.
Thank you. Thank Avi.
And wish you the best possible health in these trying times.
I add my thanks, to Stephen, to Avi – and to Kul.
ReplyDeleteThis situation is intolerable, every day closer to the intolerability of 80 years ago. MC
Thank you, Avi, for sharing this story and article. Despite the grim subject matter, and as the proud but fearful aunt of a couple nieces who are active on this issue, I also felt a small thrill of hope. Seeing your father and his friends, and many of my local neighbors and friends in Taos, still shining the light for just causes, even in their 80s and 90s, makes me feel the effort is worth it.
ReplyDeleteSending love through the ether to Dear Stephen. Your journey regarding Zionism and the State of Israel has surely been been a long and painful one. Mine, as a British Jew, has been just the same in all essential details. Let us continue to show and demonstrate for the rights of Palestinian people, for as long as we have strength in our bodies and love for Justice in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteAs Director of Personnel, I was pleased to sign Your first contract with unicef when Grant brought you on board to join our efforts at placing children high up on the political agenda of countries. You were a forceful and articulate spokesperson, a trait that has been your trademark all through your incredible career. Since then I have become a proud Canadian and join others in saluting your stance on controversial issues, none as important or as dramatic as the dire situation of Palestinian children. Your voice in their support warrants our appreciation and respect. Wish you continued strength and good health.
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