Canada Palestine Association,

P.O.Box 1085,

Halifax,NS.

B3J 2X1

 

Tel: 902.429.9100

902.275.4898

 

The Editor,

The Globe & Mail

 

Dear Editor,

Re: "Why are we depriving Palestinians of the Fourth Geneva Convention?"

[Commentary July 19].

Rachad Antonius says it as it is,accurately. The Fourth Geneva Convention was formulated,in 1949, by the world community to prevent the recurrence of the crimes and violations of human rights committed by the Nazis against civilians under occupation,during the 2nd. World War. All members of the U.N.,including Canada,the USA and Israel are signatories to the Convention. Sadly,however, Israel has been in violation of virtually every article of the Convention,since its occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip,in 1967,and in defiance of repeated Security Council resolutions affirming the applicability of this Convention to these occupied territories, including East Jerusalem.

What is equally saddening is our country’s support for Israeli policies, in violation of international law. This unquestioning support is well described in the statemant by Professor Israel Shahak, a Belsen Nazi concentration camp survivor and Chairman of Israeli League for Civil and Human Rights, who stated in his recent book,"Open Secrets",1997,pg.125:

"Curiosly,Canada represents a case where influence of its organized Jewish community upon the country’s policies is even more palpable than im the US. The effect is that although Canada’s intersts in the Middle East are quie secondary,its dedication to Israel surpasses even that of the US.".

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Ismail Zayid,M.D.

President,Canada Palestine Association.