From: Ismail Zayid
To: min.dfaitmaeci@international.gc.ca ; Mackay.P@parl.gc.ca
Subject: Double standards.

Canada Palestine Association,
P.O.Box, 1085
Halifax, NS,B3J 2X1
 
July 5,2006
 
The Hon. Mr. Peter MacKay, MP.
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
 
Dear Mr. MacKay:
 
Your recent statement, on the Gaza crisis, is astonishing and defies the reality on the ground.
In placing the balme, for the capture of the Israeli soldier, on the Palestinians, you overlook the fact that the Palestinians are the victims of an illegal oppressive occupation that has been allowed to stand for 39 years, in defiance of international law and repeated Security Council resolutions. You overlook the fact that Israel is holding over 9,000 Palestinians, without charge or trial, and hundreds of them are women and children. There is no mention, in your statement, of the war crimes Israel is committing in denying a 1.5 million people in Gaza of the basic elements of life, including water, power, health care and food.
 
During the three weeks, prior to the capture of the Israeli soldier, Israel had killed over 30 Palestinians in Gaza, including entire families with very young children.
 
As to the exact facts, in relation to the captured israeli soldier, please note:
On june 24, 2006, Israeli soldiers marched into Gaza and captured 2 Palestinian civilians, accused of being Hamas supporters. This passed unnoticed by our politicians and media.
A day later, on June 25, armed Palestinians attacked an Israeli army post and captured an armed Israeli soldier. This item of news captured the attention and concern  amongst our politicians and media.
 
Do we understand that Palestinians are less than human and their life and rights are less than deserving concern, while an Israeli soldier's freedom is far more valuable?
Are these the canadian standards and values that we pride ourselves on?
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Ismail Zayid, MD.
President, Canada Palestine Association.