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Bi-Weekly E-ArabiCa Newsletter
NCCAR E-ArabiCa - Week of November 27, 2006
· MPs returning from NCCAR Mission to MidEast Speak in Mississauga · NCCAR-Mines Action Canada Sponsor Lecture on Cluster Bombs in Lebanon · NCCAR Conducts Workshop on Media and Government · NCCAR Co-sponsors Event with CEPAL for Dr. Aruri on the Right of Return · NCCAR Supports Palestinian band Sabreen in Ottawa · NCCAR in the Media
· News Releases/Speeches · House of Commons Debates · The Senate
MPs returning from NCCAR Mission to MidEast Speak in Mississauga NDP MP Peggy Nash and Liberal MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj will be the guest speakers at a dinner on December 19 to be held in Mississauga by the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations. The Stories from the Ground event will allow the MPs to give their impressions of what they saw on the ground in Lebanon only days after a ceasefire was brokered. NCCAR organised the fact-finding mission to Lebanon, Egypt and Syria in August where the MPs met with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa as well as dozens of politicians, civil society members and international experts. NCCAR is organising the second leg of the mission to include Palestine, Israel and Jordan. Similar events with the MPs who participated in the non-partisan trip (a Conservative MP had confirmed he would participate in the mission but pulled out at the last minute) are being planned in other Canadian cities. For more information on the delegation, please visit: http://www.nccar.ca/programs/parl_delegation.htm
NCCAR-Mines Action Canada Sponsor Lecture on Cluster Bombs in Lebanon On November 23, Mines Action Canada (MAC) and the NCCAR co-sponsored a two-hour public discussion at the Ottawa Public Library, on the impact of cluster munitions and landmines on the rebuilding of Lebanon from the first-hand accounts of Ms. Habbouba Aoun, Coordinator of the Landmine Resource Centre in Beirut and the Lebanese representative of both the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition. The presentation was followed by an engaging discussion that emphasized the importance in calling for an international treaty to ban the use of cluster bombs, similar to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty that was signed in Ottawa. For more information about MAC, visit: www.minesactioncanada.org.
NCCAR Conducts Workshop on Media and Government NCCAR presented a workshop in Ottawa on November 25 entitled "Understanding Canadian Media and Government." The premise of this workshop was to provide community members with the skills needed to communicate with journalists and editors, and help better understand the different tools available within Canada's Parliamentary system to address the issues of concern to them. NCCAR is planning a similar capacity-building workshop in Toronto in December and additional Canadian cities in early 2007.
NCCAR Co-sponsors Event with CEPAL for Dr. Naseer Aruri on the Right of Return As part of NCCAR's Speakers' Bureau program, Dr. Naseer Aruri, Chancellor professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts, was invited Canada on November 27. He was invited in order to be the keynote speaker for the Canadian-Palestinian Educational Exchange (CEPAL) event, Recipes for Human Rights: Reaffirming the Palestinian Right of Return, on the occasion of the UN Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The visit was organized by the CEPAL and co-sponsored by Libby Davies, MP Vancouver East, and NCCAR, as part of the commemoration of the UN Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The event was well attended with several Arab ambassadors and dignitaries as well as members of Parliament. Dr. Aruri emphasized the importance in continuing to speak about the rights of the Palestinian refugees around the world, and demanding the including the Right of Return in future diplomatic efforts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For more information, visit: www.nccar.ca/programs/aruri.html.
NCCAR Supports Palestinian band Sabreen in Ottawa On Novemeber 18 at Centerpointe Theater in Ottawa, the Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) in collaboration with Association of Canadian Arab Palestinians (APAC), Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP), the Canadian Arab Federation (CAF), and the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations (NCCAR), presented a night of music with world-renowned Palestinian band SABREEN. The group's music was very captivating and engaging to those in attendance to reflect on the humanitarian and cultural reality and the suffering endured from the political situation. This event was part of a tour organized by SPHR for the SABREEN band in several other cities in Canada. For more information about the tour, visit www.sphr.org.
NCCAR in the Media
NCCAR News Releases
Government News Releases
House of Commons Proceedings
The 39th Parliament of Canada is currently in its sessions for Fall 2006. Visit www.parl.gc.ca for all the information you need to know about Parliament (House of Commons and Senate of Canada) and find current information about Members of Parliament (MPs). Below are some of the comments made during the debates in the House of Commons (Hansards) which are of interest. Click on the MP's name to see complete comment.
Hansard - 88 (2006/11/28) Hon. Irwin Cotler - Mount Royal Mr. Speaker, I returned recently from Beirut where, together with the member for Calgary Southwest, we represented the government at the funeral of th...
Hansard - 83 (2006/11/21) Mr. Speaker, we recently learned of the assassination of Lebanese cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel. The son of Amin Gemayel-former Lebanese president-a... Mr. Speaker, I am deeply troubled by Mr. Gemayel's assassination. This is a sad day for the Lebanese people. We will offer our condolences to Mr. Gema... Pierre Lemieux - Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Mr. Speaker, we were shocked to learn this morning that the Lebanese industry minister, Pierre Gemayel, had been assassinated near Beirut....
Hansard - 83 (2006/11/21) Caroline St-Hilaire - Longueuil-Pierre-Boucher Mr. Speaker, the Palestinian population is already in a hopeless situation that became even worse with the election of Hamas, since humanitarian aid i... Caroline St-Hilaire - Longueuil-Pierre-Boucher Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Middle East Refugee Working Group, Canada is in a privileged position to propose solutions to the humanitarian crisis in ... Mr. Speaker, obviously, we remain concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people, as we do of any outbreak of violence in the region. Canada is ... Mr. Speaker, the reality is that the government is still looking for a way to get aid directly to the Palestinian people. I am still working with the ...
Hansard - 80 (2006/11/9) Johanne Deschamps - Laurentides-Labelle Mr. Speaker, everyone has been touched by the tragedy that stuck yesterday in the Gaza Strip where 18 civilians, including seven children, were killed... Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question.... Johanne Deschamps - Laurentides-Labelle Mr. Speaker, France, Great Britain and the Secretary General of the United Nations, who are not enemies of Israel, condemned the violent nature of the... Mr. Speaker, yesterday we expressed sympathy to those victims and their families on behalf of the Government of Canada. We similarly expressed concern...
The Senate His Beatitude Patriarch Gregory III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem; the spiritual leader of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church visited Canada on November 23, 2006. He was presented by the Speaker in both the Senate and the House of Commons:
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Recipes for Human Rights: Reaffirming the Palestinian Right of Return - November 27 - Ottawa The Canadian-Palestinian Educational Exchange (CEPAL) holding a major event on Parliament Hill to commemorate the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. This event will take place at 6:30pm in Room 200, West Block, Parliament Hill. For more information please visit http://www.cepal.ca/en/announcements/events.php#eventsJ. A photo gallery will be on display at this event. The photos were taken by Nancy Kendle, a volunteer photographer who traveled to Lebanon. Please register online at www.cepal.ca/events.htm.
Palestine, Israel, and Prospects for Peace Towards a One-State Solution - November 30 - Toronto SPHR Toronto presents Virginia Tilley, author of The One-State Solution: A Breakthrough for Peace in the Israeli-Palestinian Deadlock and Associate Professor of Political Science. The event will begin at 7:30pm at the Bahen Centre, Rm 1130, University of Toronto, 40 St. George St. (one block north of College st.). Advanced tickets are $10 and $15 at the door. Tickets available at: Toronto Women's Bookstore (73 Harbord St, just west of Spadina Ave.), Resistance Press Bookroom (427 Bloor St. W., upstairs of Trinity-St. Paul's United Church - Call first: 416-924-9042).
Demonstration to Stop the Siege on Gaza! December 2 - Ottawa A demonstration will be taking place on Saturday, December 2 @ 1 PM in front of Parliament Hill, to address ways on how to restrain Israel and stop the siege of Gaza. Also to call for a restoration of aid to the Palestinians, protect the children and civilians, and call for a release of Palestinian political prisoners. All welcome. Family-friendly event. This demonstration is part of the campaign of making December 2, 2006 as the International Day of Action to Stop the Siege of Gaza. Organized by the Ottawa-Outaouais Coalition for Justice in the Middle East. For information contact: 819-923-9981 / hani_naser@hotmail.com or 819-777-5831 / jsquires@connect.carleton.ca.
5th Toronto Arab Film Festival November 29-December 3 Toronto The fifth annual Toronto Arab Film Festival (TAFF) will run from November 29 to December 3, 2006. TAFF is a Toronto-based, artist-run collective dedicated to the development and presentation of a diverse range of Arab film and video. TAFF is an independent, non-profit, non-sectarian collective that exhibits and promotes films and videos by Arab Canadian artists and films about the Arab world. It aims to engage Arab Canadians and others committed to the ethnic diversity of Canadian film and video by providing a venue for their narratives. The 2006 programme information is the website at www.taff.ca.
Arab Community Centre of Toronto Gala - December 9 - Toronto The ACCT is holding its Annual Gala with an evening of music and entertainment. Community members will also be honoured for contributions and achievements. Nominations may also be submitted. The reception begins at 630pm and dinner at 7pm at Empire Banquet Hall 246 Brockport Drive in Etobicoke. Tickets are $50. For more information, please contact ACCT at 416-231-7746 Ext. 224 or visit www.arabcommunitycentre.com.
AUB AANA Ottawa Chapter Festive Dinner December 9 - Ottawa The American University in Beirut (AUB) is turning 140 on December 4 this year! The Ottawa chapter takes the opportunity to thank all AUB supporters and its Alumni supporters and congratulates all AUB alumni and the AUB community on this occasion. As this date falls in the holiday season, our dinner venue on December 9 is the Lady Elgin room at the Lord Elgin Hotel at 7:30pm. A one night stay at the Lord Elgin is among the raffles to be won during that evening. Buy your tickets starting today by calling at 613-791-2926. Ticket price: $60. Season's Greetings from the executive committee of the Ottawa chapter of the AUB Alumni Association of North America.
Museum of Civilization-Petra: Lost City of Stone - April 7-Jan 2, 2007 - Gatineau 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau (on the banks of the Ottawa River and opposite Parliament Hill). This exhibition is the most complete portrait ever mounted of the amazing and enigmatic city of Petra. It tells the story of this once-thriving metropolis at the crossroads of the ancient world's major trade routes and of the technological virtuosity that allowed the Nabateans to build and maintain Petra in the harsh desert environment. For 4 centuries beginning in 200 BC, Petra stood at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the spice routes that connected China, India and Arabia with markets in Greece, Rome, Egypt and Syria. The exhibition is organized by the Cincinnati Art Museum and the American Museum of Natural History. Info: www.civilization.ca
Canada on display at Middle East wood show
April 10-12
Dubai, U.A.E.
Calendar for Montreal Events A calendar has been made for residents of Montreal who wish to inquire about events relating to the Lebanon and Israeli Aggression at http://tadamon.resist.ca/index.php/?p=123
Medical Aid for Palestine Urgent RequestMedical Aid for Palestine (MAP) joins efforts with the Palestine Red Crescent Society to provide assistance to the civilian population of Gaza victims of economic strangulation and psychological distress. MAP launches an urgent appeal to the Québécois community to contribute generously to its emergency campaign to assist the population of Gaza. You can also make a donation on line with the following address: www.ampcan.org . A tax receipt will be issued to donors. Charity # 886421395RR0001. Mail to: Medical Aid for Palestine, 5722, St-Andre street, Montreal, Quebec H2S 2K1. Tel.: (514) 843-7875. E-mail: info@mapcan.org.
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New Website on International Humanitarian Law Diakonia has launched website called Easy Guide to international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory at www.diakonia.se/ihl. The website provides basic information about international humanitarian law (IHL) in general and the IHL-situation in the occupied Palestinian territory in particular. The texts are written in an easy language for non-lawyers and are available both in English and in Swedish.
KAIROS Seeks Middle East Program Coordinator - Global Partnerships KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, located in Toronto, seeks a creative, dedicated program coordinator to work with our human rights staff and Middle East partners in promoting human rights and a just peace to cover a maternity leave for one year (January 2 December 31, 2007) on a part-time basis (17.5 hours per week). The salary range is $21,932 - $24,153 (based on a full time equivalent of $43,864 - $48,306). The Middle East program coordinator will oversee partnership relations, program development and coordination, project management, policy development, and advocacy with respect to the Middle East region. The search for a just peace between Palestinians and Israelis is a major focus area of the work.
The coordinator's responsibilities would be: · Maintain and nurture partnership relations related to the Middle East. · Project management, including proposal preparation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation · Facilitate input of partner perspectives and recommendations to relevant KAIROS policies and advocacy initiatives. · Prepare policy briefs, letters, and other advocacy documents relevant to designated region. · Public representation to the KAIROS constituency, media, government and others to further KAIROS/partner strategic objectives. . Requirements: · Degree in International Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, Peace and Conflict Studies or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. · Experience in international development/global justice work. · Ability to understand and present work in a Christian theological context. · Experience proposing, funding and managing international development projects. · Extensive knowledge of major Middle East issues of social justice; specific experience related to the Palestinian Israeli conflict a definite asset. · Proven excellence in written and oral communications and in making public presentations. Ability to communicate complex information comprehensibly and to act as a spokesperson on issues related to KAIROS and area of work. · Proven ability to advocate with government and international organizations. · Competency in standard office computer applications (word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail).
Deadline for Applications: Friday, December 8th, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. Applicants should provide a resume and a cover letter in which you briefly summarize your suitability for the position.
Send applications by mail or in person only to: Therese Dineen, Executive Assistant KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives 129 St. Clair Ave. W. Toronto, ON M4V 1N5 Website: www.kairoscanada.org
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 interesting tasks including general administrative tasks at our office in Ottawa, as well as with other projects. Contact Essam Farag at essamfarag@nccar.ca or on our website at www.nccar.ca/joinus/volunteer.html.
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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.
Disclaimer 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||
