Bi-Weekly E-ArabiCa Newsletter

NCCAR Working For You

• NCCAR in the Media

• NCCAR Co-sponsors Conference on Responsible Investment in Israel

• NCCAR's Golf Tournament - Cancelled

In Government/Parliament

• News Releases

Events

• REEL ACTIVISM media events - September 9 - Toronto
• Ciné-club antiracisme: Chronique d'une disparition - 9 Septembre - Montréal
• IHYA Foundation Muslim Concert for Peace - September 10 - Toronto
• Shaw TV Middle East Politics broadcast - September 10-11 - Vancouver
• Francophone Centre of Toronto job search workshop - September 12-15 - Toronto
• Lecture about British Anti-War Movement - September 16 - Toronto
• Annual CIC Fundraising Dinner - September 17 - Toronto
• 5th Annual Palestine House BBQ - September 18 - Mississauga
• 4th Annual Small World Music Festival - September 22-October 2 - Toronto
   
• Cityscape 2005 - September 17-19 - Dubai, U.A.E.
• Business Mission - September 17-29 - U.A.E. & Saudi Arabia
• Project Qatar 2005 - September 18-21 - Qatar

Announcements

• Amnesty International Canada on Almalki/El Maati
• Three Cities Against the Wall Seeking Art Donations
• Scholarship Programme of the LSCA
• CAF LINC English Language Classes
• Yalla Seeks Submissions for Journal

Volunteer/Job Opportunities

• International Volunteer Opportunities with Right To Play
• Human Rights Program Coordinator at KAIROS
• Programme Assistant at Quaker International Affairs Programme
• International Jobs

Important Contact Information

Support NCCAR

NCCAR WORKING FOR YOU

NCCAR in the Media
Mr. Mazen Chouaib, executive director of NCCAR participated in a TVO discussion on the prospect for democracy in Iraq following the constitution debate. The panel was composed of Richard Gwyn, Prof. David Cameron, and host Stephen Paiken. The discussion covered the recent disaster that led to the death of about 1000 Iraqis, the constitutional debate that will be put to a referendum, and also prospects for a democratic response by those challenging the new constitution. NCCAR was also quoted in the Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, London Free Press and the Ottawa Citizen during the visit of Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew to Edmonton, where he held a meeting the Arab-Canadian community last month.

NCCAR Co-sponsors Conference on Responsible Investment in Israel
A coalition of church-related organizations and NGO's working for a just peace are organizing an international conference from October 26-29 in Toronto entitled "A Call  for  Morally Responsible Investment: A Nonviolent  Response to the Israeli Occupation." The conference is hosted by Canadian Friends of Sabeel and co-sponsored by several other organizations including NCCAR. In addition to 15 internationally recognized speakers, the conference will include discussions, question periods, small group workshops, non-denominational theological reflection, and networking. Further information about the conference can be found at www.sabeel.ca.

NCCAR's Golf Tournament  - Cancelled
The National Council on Canada-Arab Relations' (NCCAR) Charity Golf Tournament, which was to take place on Sunday, September 25, 2005 at Casselview Golf and Country Club has been cancelled due to a shortage of participants.

IN GOVERNMENT/PARLIAMENT

News Releases

• Statement by Minister Pettigrew on Iraqi Constitutional Developments
  August 31, 2005
  http://w01.international.gc.ca/MinPub/Publication.asp?Language=E&publication_id=3829
   
• Statement by Minister Pettigrew on Tragedy in Baghdad
  August 31, 2005
  http://w01.international.gc.ca/MinPub/Publication.asp?Language=E&publication_id=382965
   
• Appointments to Board of Directors of International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development - August 30, 2005
  http://w01.international.gc.ca/MinPub/Publication.asp?Language=E&publication_id=382956

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today announced the appointment of Janice Stein as Chairperson, International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights and Democracy), and the appointments of Baha Abu-Laban and Peter Li to the Centre's Board of Directors.

Biography: Baha Abu-Laban, an Arab-Canadian, has taught at Stanford University, the American University of Beirut, and the University of Alberta, where he is Professor Emeritus of Sociology. He is a former Chair of the Department of Sociology, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Associate Vice-President (Research). Dr. Abu-Laban is the co-founder and past editor of the Journal of International Migration and Integration (JIMI), and is also Co-Director of the Prairie Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Integration in Edmonton.
 

House of Commons Proceedings

The House of Commons is adjourned until Monday, September 26, 2005. The Senate is adjourned until Tuesday, September 27, 2005. Visit www.parl.gc.ca for all the information you need to know about Parliament.

*****

EVENTS AND POSTINGS

REEL ACTIVISM media events - September 9 - Toronto
REEL ACTIVISM presents Part I of the highly-acclaimed Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land: U.S. Media and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict to be followed by a talk on "The London Bombing: Fact vs. Fiction" by Karin Brothers. Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee of Bloor Street United Church. Donations will be gratefully accepted. On Friday, September 9, 7 pm, at Bloor Street United Church "Chapel", 300 Bloor Street West,  NW corner at Huron St. For more information, please call: 416-966-2815.

Ciné-club antiracisme: Chronique d'une disparition - 9 Septembre - Montréal
L'observatoire international sur le racisme et les discriminations (CRIEC) et l'association le tiers ont le plaisir de vous inviter à la prochaine représentation du ciné-club mensuel "Antiracisme en noir et blanc et en couleurs" qui aura lieu le Vendredi 9 Septembre 2005. Chronique d'une disparition. Comédie politique réalisée par Elia Suleiman (Israël/Palestine, 1996). Langue: arabe, sous-titres en anglais. Commentaires et échanges sur la projection. Cinéma ONF:  1564 rue Saint-Denis (coin de Maisonneuve). Métro Berri-UQAM. Renseignements:  (514) 496-6886. Tarif:  5$ pour les membres du Tiers, 7$ pour les non-membres. Billets en vente à l'ONF, tous les jours, de midi à 21h, sauf les lundis.

IHYA Foundation Muslim Concert for Peace - September 10 - Toronto
IHYA Foundation presents the Muslim Concert for Peace which seeks to change the perception of Arabs and Muslims by the daily barrage of negative press. All are welcome to come and enjoy performances in English, Arabic and Urdu. On Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 7 pm, at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.ihyafoundation.com or e-mail: lightrhythms@ihyafoundation.com.

Shaw TV Middle East Politics broadcast - September 10-11 - Vancouver
A one hour broadcast of "Critical Issues in Middle East Politics", a recording of the June 29  Adala/CAF forum. Speakers are Dr. Hassan Charif, special advisor to the United Nations ESCWA on emerging regional issues, Dr. Hani Faris, director of the Trans Arab Research Institute, and Dr. Atef Kubursi, co-author of the United Nations Arab Human Development Reports. On Shaw TV (cable 4 in Vancouver). On Saturday, September 10, 6:00 pm and Sunday, September 11, 9:00 pm. For more information on the schedule, e-mail: info@adala.ca

Francophone Centre of Toronto job search workshop - September 12-15 - Toronto
The Francophone Centre of Toronto is offering a job search workshop for French-speaking newcomers. Discover your strengths and assets, learn how to write a résumé, cover letter, and prepare for job interviews. To qualify, you must be ready to work and communicate in French. You must be a permanent resident, landed immigrant, conventional refugee, or domestic worker. On Monday, September 12 till Wednesday, September 14, from 9:30 am till 4:30 pm, at 20 Lower Spadina Avenue. To reserve a seat, contact Emma de Réan at: 416-203-1220 ext. 244 or e-mail: eriamderean@centrefranco-sna.org.

Lecture about British Anti-War Movement - September 16 - Toronto
George Galloway will speak at the University of Toronto as part of Xpression Against Oppression Week. He will discuss his experience building the anti-war movement in Britain and about the history of his anti-war party Respect - the Unity Coalition. At the University of Toronto, Convocation Hall, 31 King's College Circle. On Friday, September 16, at 7:00 pm. Doors open 6:00pm. All tickets are general admission, and go on sale on Thursday, August 18 at 9:00 am. To purchase tickets or for more information, call: 416-978-8849. Or book online at: www.uofttix.ca.

Annual CIC Fundraising Dinner - September 17 - Toronto
The Canadian Islamic Congress will be hosting a fundraising dinner featuring guest speakers George Galloway and Jeffrey Lang among others. Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and $100 for a family of four. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: http://www.canadianislamiccongress.com/dinner/toronto.php

Fifth Annual Palestine House BBQ - September 18 - Mississauga
Palestine House along with Town & country Market are holding the 5th Annual Charity BBQ on September 18 from 11am to 7pm at Mississauga Valley Park. The purpose of this event is to raise funds for Palestinian children. The event will include entertainment, music, children's activities and dabkeh dancing. For more information, contact Al-Kuds Store at 905-275-2781 or Palestine House at 905-270-3622.

Fourth Annual Small World Music Festival - September 22-October 2 - Toronto
The Fourth Annual Small World Music Festival, presented in association with CBC Radio, returns with another season of exceptional world-stage sound at venues across downtown Toronto. Featured artists include Mariza, Seu Jorge, Lura, MidiVal, and the Joubran Trio among others. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 22 at Ticket Pro: 416-645-9090 or visit: http://www.ticketpro.ca. To purchase tickets in person, please visit Soundscapes Records, 572 College Street West. For more information call the Festival Hotline at 416-631-4311 and visit http://www.smallworldmusic.com

Cityscape 2005 - September 17-19 - Dubai, U.A.E.
This 4th International Property Investment and Development event will include the participation of major investors, developers and governmental authorities involved in the architecture, development, design and construction of commercial property. For more information, please contact: venkyrao@rogers.com or call 1 905 896 7815. For more information, please visit the following web site: http://www.cityscape-online.com.

Business Mission - September 17-29 - U.A.E & Saudi Arabia
The Canada Arab Business Council (CABC) is planning a mission of Canadian business and government leaders to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The mission is intended to assist experienced companies in this region to make new contacts and/or reinforce existing relationships, as well as introduce new companies to these rapidly expanding markets. The CABC has an extensive network of contacts in each country. Mission participants can expect access at the highest levels to government and private sector clients. Business opportunities for Canadian firms cover major sectors, including but not limited to: Advanced Manufacturing; Agriculture and Agri-business; Oil and Gas; Engineering and Project Management; and, Education/Training. The mission is aimed at senior executives of Canadian firms already active in these countries as well as Canadian exporters exploring these growing markets for the first time. For more information, please contact CABC at 1 905 568 9413. Web site: http://www.canada-arabbusiness.org.

Project Qatar 2005 - September 18-21 - Qatar
Doha - Project Qatar 2005 will feature construction and environmental technologies, building materials, equipment and tools and accessories. Landmark projects underway in Qatar are fuelling a boom in its construction industry, generating strong demand for a wide range of related products and services. Contact: Raed Bishara, Canadian Embassy in Kuwait via e-mail: raed.bishara@international.gc.ca. Web site: http://www.ifpqatar.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Amnesty International Canada on Almalki/El Maati
Amnesty International Canada is prominently featuring concerns regarding the detention and torture of Canadian citizens, such as Abdullah Almalki and Ahmad El-Maati, as the lead issue on their website. A "Take Action" link also offers suggestions on writing letters to the Prime Minister. For more information, please visit: http://www.amnesty.ca

Three Cities Against the Wall Seeking Art Donations
Three Cities Against the Wall is an art exhibition protesting the Separation Wall under construction by Israel in the Occupied Territories of Palestine and is looking for artists, designers, writers, poets, and musicians to donate their work (of any theme and media) for a fundraiser auction in Montreal at the end of September. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please e-mail 3citiesagainstthewall@gmail.com as soon as possible. For more information, please visit: www.abcnorio.org/againstthewall.

Scholarship Programme of the LSCA
The LSCA continues to raise funds for charitable purposes through social, cultural and sporting events. The scholarship fund was set up in 1957. The LSCA is pleased to offer scholarships to students of Lebanese descent to help cover education expenses. The scholarship is for $700.00, and those with good academic standing and financial need. (Applicant's financial need will be assessed) will be selected to receive this amount. Applications are reviewed by the Board of Trustees; generally a decision is made approximately 1-2 months after receiving a completed application form. To obtain an application form, please call the LSCA at: (514) 274-3583, or email: lsca@bellnet.ca.

CAF LINC English language classes
Are you new in Canada? Would you like to improve your English language skills? Come to the Canadian Arab Federation for LINC classes (Language Instruction for Newcomers). Levels 1 to 5. Childcare services are available for children between ages 2 to 5 years. At 250 Consumers Rd., Suite 201 (Consumers Rd. and Sheppard). For more information, contact Tharwat Awamleh at: 416-490-9461.

Yalla Seeks Submissions for Journal
Yalla is seeking contributors between the ages of 18 and 30 to submit short stories, poems, photographs, visual art, and essays about the Israeli-Arab conflict for a yearly journal. Submitted pieces should not be political, but should express feelings related to the conflict to help understand each other's perspectives. The selections will be made by a balanced Arab/Jewish editorial board. The deadline for submissions is October 1, and longer pieces should run to a maximum of 2,500 words. Please include your contact information and a brief biography. Send contributions and questions to: yallajournal@yahoo.ca

JOBS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

International Volunteer Opportunities with Right To Play
Applications are currently being accepted for Project Coordinators and Communications Coordinators to undertake one-year volunteer placements with SportWorks and SportHealth Projects in Africa starting in early 2006.  Currently we are recruiting for placements in Ethiopia, Mali, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda and Zambia. Right To Play is an international athlete-driven humanitarian organization that uses sport and play as a tool for development targeting children. An example is the ‘Twinned Peace Project' in Israel and Palestine, where sport is used as a reason to bring together Palestinian and Israeli children and youth in a neutral environment. For more information about the volunteer positions of SportWorks Project Coordinator, SportHealth Project Coordinator and SportHealth Communications Coordinator are available at www.righttoplay.com/opportunities.

Human Rights Program Coordinator at KAIROS
KAIROS is seeking a creative, energetic individual with a strong commitment to social justice and extensive experience in advocacy for international human rights. You will be a creative self-starter, experienced in the NGO and church contexts. As Human Rights Program Coordinator, you will be responsible for program development and implementation, as well as some research, analysis, and policy development. This position will focus on selected strategies to end religious and ethnic conflict and the criminalization of dissent in Asia and the Middle East. You will work in close collaboration with another Human Rights Coordinator who is responsible for KAIROS human rights work related to Latin America and Africa. As well, you will work with an ecumenical committee of the KAIROS board. As a member of a larger Human Rights and Peace-building staff team, you will help KAIROS work to change some underlying structures and systems that result in collective human rights abuses. Deadline for applications: October 14th, 2005. For more details visit www.kairoscanada.org/e/support/jobHumanRights.asp.

Programme Assistant at Quaker International Affairs Programme
The Quaker International Affairs Programme (QIAP), is hiring a full-time Programme Assistant (mid-October 2005 – mid-October 2006) who will be working under the direction of the QIAP Representative to support the peace and justice concerns of Canadian Quakers in the international arena by using a facilitative, nonpartisan, methodology that brings information and various perspectives to decision-makers, along with opportunities for informal and off-the-record dialogue. QIAP works with stakeholders on all sides of an issue. QIAP's first area of focus is on trade and intellectual property issues. The Application deadline is September 12, 2005 by 5:00 pm. For more detailed information visit www.qiap.ca.

International Jobs in Arab Countries

Here are some new international job opportunities in Arab countries. Please review them all and click on each link for more detailed information.

Important Contact Information

Office of the Prime Minister, Right Hon. Paul Martin
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A2
Tel:(613) 992-4211, Fax:(613) 941-6900
E-mail: pm@pm.gc.ca

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Pierre Pettigrew
125 Sussex Drive,
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0G2
Tel:(613) 995-1851, Toll Free: 1-866-880-4378, Fax:(613) 996-3443
E-mail: pettip@parl.gc.ca

Other Foreign Affairs Departments

SUPPORT NCCAR

Membership Categories:

Sustaining Donor: $5000  (Code: DM-05)
Association/Corporate Member:  $1000 (Code: CBM-05)
Sustaining Member: $500 (Code: SM-05)
Regular Member: $100 (Code: RM-05)

NCCAR is a non-profit organization committed to building bridges of understanding and cooperation between Canada and the Arab world. NCCAR receives its financial support from individual members, corporate and individual donations, and direct fundraising initiatives. You can help by providing a financial contribution, becoming a member, volunteering and by circulating our message. NCCAR is currently seeking youth volunteers to help with a variety of work.

Cheques are payable to "National Council on Canada-Arab-Relations" and can be sent to:

NCCAR
63 Sparks, Suite 301
Ottawa, ON, K1P 5A6
 

You can pay your membership by credit card via telephone to our office at 613-238-3795. You can also do that on our website (www.nccar.ca) by clicking on the "Donate Now" logo.

For more information on membership privileges, an up-to-date review of NCCAR's involvement in the Canadian community, and recent activities in Canada and abroad, please refer to our website's many sections.

NCCAR is a non-profit organization dedicated to building bridges of understanding and cooperation between Canada and the Arab world.

Le CNRCA est un organisme à but non-lucratif consacré à sensibilisé le Canada au monde Arabe et à encourager des liens de coopération.