NCCAR E-ArabiCa Newsletter
Week of Sept. 2007

 

Hot Issues

• CHIN radio 97.9 FM in Ottawa . Interview with Marcel Khalife by Lilianne El-Helou in Arabic.   TODAY!

• Make History Happen : Mine Action Canada releases Action Toolkit to Ban Cluster Bombs

• CBC - The Current: Israeli Lobby Feature

• Join the Ottawa Arab Forum – Advertise your community event for free!  .  

Events & Postings

• Marcel Khalife US and Canada Tour: Renowned artist, Author, Composer, and UNESCO Artist for peace- Canada Tour  

• Portraits of the Arab World…An eye on Egypt and Yemen with the paintbrush and pencil of Ahmed Toughan - Ottawa  

• Palestine : The Canadian Connection in the Current Crisis – October 4 –

• TorontoFilm Screening: The Yacoubian Building – October 7 – Toronto

In Government/Parliament

• Government News Releases

 

Announcements

• Resistance Art- 2008 Colors from Palestine Calendar

• The Nile Association of Ontario's Annual Scholarship Funds

• First Arabic School in Quebec City

• Evacuation of Lebanese-Canadian Dual Citizens

• ROOTS brings to you the taste & essence of Extra Virgin Palestinian Olive Oil & Olives from Palestine

• Theatre Troupe  

 

Job/Volunteer Opportunities

• CAF Hiring Part-time Arabic Instructors

• PHC Nurse

• Water/Sanitation Specialist

• Program Manager -Abyei

• Job Posting – Advisor on Sharia

• Key Experts For Social Protection & Food Security Project

• Country Director

• Agribusiness Specialists

• Programme Officer

• Country Director Sudan

• Senior Vocational Education and Training Expert

• Senior Human Resources Development Expert

• Team Leader / Senior VET expert

• Senior Labour Market Expert

• Country Director

• Volunteer for NCCAR

 

HOT ISSUES

 

Marcel Khalife Radio Interview
On Thursday, Sept 27, at 4.00 pm on CHIN radio 97.9 FM in Ottawa , Marcel Khalife will be interviewed by Lilianne El-Helou in Arabic.   It will also be broadcasted on the web simultaneously; You can listen in  by clicking on the link:: http://www.chinradio.com/ottawa979.html

 

Help Make History Happen : Mine Action Canada releases Action Toolkit to Ban Cluster Bombs.

 

Suggested reading - Forseeable Harm: The Use and Impact of Cluster Munitions in Lebanon 2006 (http://www.landmineaction.org/resources/ForeseeableHarmfinal.pdf).

 

CBC - The Current:  Israeli Lobby Feature: Two American academics are causing some shock and awe over their writings on the U.S. Israeli Lobby. Their theories are considered by critics to be so objectionable that they set off a furor even before they'd been published.

 

It all began in 2002 when The Atlantic Monthly commissioned an article by two leading experts on international relations. They were asked to write about the role American-Israeli relations play in US foreign policy. 2 years later the article was dead, killed by the magazine forcing the professors to go shopping for a new publisher. It finally went to print last year unleashing a firestorm of criticism. Calls of anti-semitism.

 

Now the authors have spun their article into a book called, The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy. And with that another literary grenade has been lobbed into the political arena.

 

To discuss his argument and the intense reaction to it, we were joined by co-author John Mearsheimer. He teaches political science at the University of Chicago . http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2007/200709/20070912.   

 

Join the Ottawa Arab Forum

The Ottawa Arab Forum is the source for finding information about organizations and events in the Ottawa Arab community. It is a local initiative that seeks to encourage communication and cooperation among the diverse Arab organizations in Ottawa and is the main internet portal for the Ottawa Arab Community Project (OACP) initiative.  http://www.arabforum.ca/

 

EVENTS AND POSTINGS

 

Marcel Khalife US and Canada Tour: Renowned artist, Author, Composer, and UNESCO Artist for peace Canada Tour

Marcel Khalife (b. 1950, Amchit, Mount Lebanon ) is a Lebanese composer, singer and oud (an Arabic lute) player, considered a Palestinian among the Palestinians, a Southerner among the South Lebanese and most commonly an Arab musician. From 1970 to 1975, he taught at the conservatory in Beirut . In 1976, he created Al Mayadeen Ensemble and became famous all over the world for songs like Ummi (My Mother), Rita w'al-Bundaqiya (Rita and the Rifle) and Jawaz al-Safr (Passport), based on Mahmoud Darwish's poetry. In 1999 he was granted the Palestine Award for Music. In turn, he contributed the financial portion of the award to the National Conservatory of Music at Birzeit University in Palestine . In 2005, Khalife was named UNESCO Artist for Peace. He has traveled extensively, playing with symphony orchestras in the greatest concert halls around the world, most recently in Liverpool , where his performances were the highlight of the Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival 2007.

 

The schedule of the concerts across Canada is as shown below:

·     Montreal , Quebec - Friday, September 28 @ 8PM
The Metropolis - 59 Sainte-Catherine Street East , Montreal , Quebec H2X 1K5 . Tel: 514-844-3500 . www.montrealmetropolis.ca

·     Toronto , ON - Sunday, September 30 @ 8:00PM
Toronto Centre for the Arts. 5040 Yonge St. Toronto , ON M2N 6R8 .  www.ticketmaster.ca

·     Ottawa , ON - Tuesday, October 2 @ 7:30PM
Centrepoint theatre - 101 Centrepointe Drive Ottawa , ON K2G 5K7 .  Tel: 613-580-2700 or 866-752-5231 www.centrepointetheatre.com

·     Calgary , AB - Thursday, October 4 @ 9PM
MacEwan Hall - 2500 University Drive NW Calgary , AB , T2N 1N4 . Tel: 403-220-2997.  Tickets Sold at: www.ticketmaster.ca, Tel. 403-777-0000

·     Edmonton , AB - Friday, October 5 @ 9PM
Citadel, MacLab Theatre - 9828-101 Ave. Edmonton , AB , T5J 3C6 .  Tickets Sold at: www.citadeltheatre.com, Tel. 780-425-1820

·     North Vancouver , BC - Saturday, October 6 @ 9PM
Centennial Theatre - 2300 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver , BC , V7M 3L1 . Tel: 604-983-6450. Tickets Sold at: www.centennialtheatre.com, Tel. 604-984-4484

Portraits of the Arab World…An eye on Egypt and Yemen with the paintbrush
                      and pencil of Ahmed Toughan

October 9-11, University of Ottawa .

An exhibition of paintings and cartoons spanning over 60 years portraying the Egyptian and Yemeni life; its landscape, infrastructure and of course its people, through the personal experience of renowned Egyptian artist/cartoonist Ahmed Toughan. Presented by the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations (NCCAR) in cooperation with The Ambassadors Online Magazine (www.ambassadors.net) and the Chair of Arab Studies at the University of Ottawa .  

Palestine : The Canadian Connection in the Current Crisis – October 4 – Toronto

The public forum and book launch features Toufic Haddad (co-editor and contributing author of Between the Lines: Readings on Israel , the Palestinians, and the U.S. War on Terror) followed by other speakers addressing the responsibility of Stephen Harper and the Canadian government in the current crisis. The event will take place at Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil Street October 4th. Iftar dinner will be served at 6:30pm. Discussion and speakers will commence by 8:00pm.

Film Screening: The Yacoubian Building – October 7 – Toronto

The LCHA is proud to present its first film in the LCHA movie night series-The Yacoubian Building . The film is based on the novel of the same title by author Alaa Al Aswany. Like the novel which is set in 1990 at about the time of the first Gulf War, the film is a portrayal of modern Egyptian society since the coup d'état of 1952. The setting is downtown Cairo , with the Yacoubian apartment building (which actually exists) serving as both a metaphor for contemporary Egypt and a unifying location in which most of the primary characters either live or work and in which much of the action takes place. The movie will be presented in the LCHA hall at 4480, Côte-de-Liesse, Suite 105 . The movie is free of charge and it runs for two and a half hours. Due to the mature subject matter of this film, it is not appropriate for children under the age of 13. Popcorn and refreshments will be served.  

IN GOVERNMENT/PARLIAMENT

Government News Releases
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - HON MAXIME BERNIER.
No. 117 - August 26, 2007
CANADA CONDEMNS SUDANESE GOVERNMENT DECISION TO EXPEL CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - HON MAXIME BERNIER.
No. 120 - August 29, 2007
CANADA EXPELS SUDANESE DIPLOMAT

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - HON MAXIME BERNIER.
No. 125 - September 10, 2007
CANADA CONDEMNS RECENT ATTACKS IN ALGERIA

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - HON MAXIME BERNIER.
No. 126 - September 11, 2007
CANADA COMMENDS EXEMPLARY ELECTIONS IN MOROCCO

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - HON MAXIME BERNIER.
No. 127 - September 19, 2007
CANADA CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF LEBANESE PARLIAMENTARIAN

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS  

Resistance Art- 2008 Colors from Palestine Calendar: While the Palestinian struggles have produced a great deal of revolutionary artwork, the struggle can sometimes lead us to forget that art can play a role just as important; art is part of what defines our identity, who we are as a people. The 2008 "Colors from Palestine " calendar is dedicated to the great Palestinian artist, Naji Al-Ali, and features some of his well known cartoons. To view all the art work, and information about the 2008 Colors From Palestine Calendar, please visit www.resistanceart.com.            

The Nile Association of Ontario 's Annual Scholarship Funds: Established in 1988, these funds are set to reward students with outstanding achievements towards their University tuition fees. Scholarships are open to all students members of The Nile Association who are in their final year of high school, have demonstrated outstanding community leadership, possess the academic skills to successfully enter College or University, and have paid their membership dues for 2005, 2006 and 2007. Send all documents no later than October 1, 2007 to the following address: The Nile Association of Ontario Annual Scholarship Award 81 Primrose cres. Brampton , Ontario L6Z 1E1 .         

First Arabic School in Quebec City : The first Arabic school in Quebec City ( Canada ), "L'Ecole de l'Excellence", is registered in Quebec as a non profit corporation. It aims to provide, in collaboration with parents, a caring, instructive and constructive environment to our children. It is also committed to promote Arabic language and Islamic values. To achieve these goals, the school project (which has entered its launch phase) deserves strong funding. You can also help by spreading the word or by providing a generous donation to help start-up this school. For further information please contact Ms Amira Boulmerka, Director, at 416-573-2830 or email a.boulmerka@ecoledelexcellence.ca, or you can also visit www.ecoldedelexcellence.ca.    

Evacuation of Lebanese-Canadian Dual Citizens: Were you or any of your family members evacuated from Lebanon in the summer of 2006? Do you maintain both Canadian and Lebanese citizenships? Professor Daiva Stasiulis (Sociology, Carleton University ) is looking for people in the Lebanese-Canadian community who would be willing to be interviewed for her research on the evacuation of Lebanese-Canadians from Lebanon . For more information or to participate, please email interviewlebanon@hotmail.com. All interviews are confidential and anonymous and will be used for research purposes only.    

ROOTS brings to you the taste & essence of Extra Virgin Palestinian Olive Oil & Olives from Palestine : The struggle of Palestinian Farmers depends on their sale & production of their fruits. ROOTS has made it possible by importing their produce into Canada – Call (416) 832-2940 today for more information or to make a purchase.            

Theatre Troupe: Theatre practice will be provided for children between the ages 8-15, who are interested in joining theatre as well as participating in an extracurricular activity. Practice sessions will be aimed at developing theatre skills and will be instructed by the Syrian performing artist, Nada Homsi. The practices will conclude with a final production presented to family and the community. The timing and schedule will be planned according to the number of registrants. To register, please send an email to nadahomsi@hotmail.com.           

JOB AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

 

CAF Hiring Part-time Arabic Instructors
CAF hiring a JSW Outreach Worker

Please forward a resume to info@caf.ca if you are interested in teaching part-time for CAF's Arabic classes. Only those qualified will be contacted for an interview. For more information, please call 416-493-8635 ext. 21. http://www.caf. ca/GetInvolvedSe ction.aspx? SectionID= 22.

PHC Nurse Merlin

Location: Sanyafundu / Nyala – South Darfur-SUDAN

Last Date: September 30, 2007 http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39114.shtml

Water/Sanitation Specialist World Relief

Location: Darfur , Sudan

Last Date: September 28, 2007 http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39017.shtml

Advisor on Sharia: Human Rights Watch is hiring an advisor on Sharia in the women's rights division, the advisor will provide Human Rights Watch with advice on the application of sharia as a legal system, the variations in its employment by states and other agents in different regions of the world, and how it is used to advance or restrict women's human rights, in areas including civil and political rights, family law, and sexuality. For more information, please visit http://www.hrw.org/jobs/docs/2007/08/10/usint16632.htm

Program Manager -Abyei Mercy Corps

Location: Abyei , Sudan      

Last Date: September 28, 2007 http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_38925.shtml

Key Experts For Social Protection & Food Security Project  WYG International

Location: Djibouti

Last Date: September 30, 2007        http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39095.shtml

Country Director     ACTED
Location: Lebanon , Beyrouth

Last Date: October 5, 2007 http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39200.shtml          

Agribusiness Specialists ACDI/VOCA
Location: Lebanon
Last Date: September 30, 2007 http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_38234.shtml

Programme Officer UNEP
Location: Manama
Last Date: October 4, 2007 http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39211.shtml

Country Director Sudan  Marie Stopes International

Location: Sudan

Last Date: October 20, 2007 http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39292.shtml

Senior Vocational Education and Training Expert Transtec

Location: Qab Elias , Lebanon

Last Date: October 8, 2007  http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39317.shtml

Senior Human Resources Development Expert Transtec
Location: Qab Elias , Lebanon
Last Date: October 8, 2007 http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39316.shtml

Team Leader / Senior VET expert
Transtec
Location: Qab Elias , Lebanon
Last Date: October 8, 2007
http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39315.shtml

Senior Labour Market Expert
Transtec
Location: Qab Elias , Lebanon
Last Date: October 8, 2007
http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39314.shtml

Country Director
ACTED
Location: Lebanon , Beyrouth
Last Date: October 5, 2007
http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_39200.shtml

 

Volunteer for NCCAR: NCCAR is looking for research volunteers and volunteers to help with the organization of our Speakers' Bureau tours, National Conferences and projects, and many other general administrative tasks at our office in Ottawa , as well as with other projects. Contact us at nccar@nccar.ca or on our website at www.nccar.ca/joinus/volunteer.html .

 

Important Contact Information

 

Office of the Prime Minister, Right Hon. Stephen Harper

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, The Hon. Maxime Bernier

125 Sussex Drive,
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0G2
Tel:(613) 995-1851
Fax:(613) 943-1618
E-mail: maxime.bernier@international.gc.ca

 

Other Foreign Affairs Departments

 

SUPPORT NCCAR

 

NEW Membership Categories:

Benefactor: $5000
Platinum:  $1000
Gold: $500
Silver: $250

Bronze: $100
Student Member: $25

 

Platinum, Gold and Silver memberships can all be paid in monthly installments through direct deposit from a credit card (Visa/MasterCard). Please fill out the Form available here [MEMBERSHIP FORM]

 

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 donation, becoming a member, volunteering and by circulating our message.

 

NCCAR is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency. Our Charitable registration number is 11905 1696RR. As such donations are tax-deductible.