Harper not the only choice 

A few points need to be made about Michael Taube’s column (“Trudeau and the Liberals are pandering to the Jews,” Aug. 14). 

Firstly, Taube did not mention the NDP in his column. NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair took a very pro-Israel stand recently. This is a position that New Democrat leaders have not always taken. Perhaps Mulcair, like Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, does actually support Israel and its right to defend itself. Did it not occur to Taube that perhaps these men do care about Israel and not just votes?

Taube only talks about Prime Minister Stephen Harper being pro-Israel. Yet he forgot to mention that during the whole debate on the proposed Quebec charter of values the prime minister chose to believe that silence is golden and said nothing. Trudeau and Mulcair, on the other hand, criticized the charter, and the Liberal leader called Bill 60 for what it was: a smokescreen that was racist and designed to divert attention.

I find it degrading that someone is telling me that I have only one choice at federal election time. Canada is not a dictatorship. There are multiple choices. I find it even more revolting that he makes it seem as if Israel is the only issue at play for Jews in Canada. 

Since the three main political parties in Canada have shown Israel a lot of love lately, I would hope that Canadians are intelligent enough to vote for the best candidate for office.

Joshua Ram
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que.

Greens don’t take sides 

I am a member of the Green Party of Canada, and I am deeply concerned about Paul Estrin’s resignation and the treatment he claims to have received (“Why I’m no longer president of the Green Party of Canada,” Aug. 14).

If Estrin is guilty of anything, it is for publishing a view as president on the party website that did not conform to party policy. No one should be surprised by the reaction of the party. If he were not the president, or the views were not expressed on our website, the situation would not exist.

However, beyond that, it is the policy of the party to support neither Hamas nor Israel. Both are guilty of extreme acts against the other. We fully support the right of Israel to exist, and equally the right of Palestinians to an equivalent statehood. We support the right of Israel to self-defence and equally that of the Palestinians to the same. We do not equate those rights to the right to kill large numbers of either Palestinians or Israelis. 

In the most recent conflict, Israel’s loss is small compared to that of the Palestinians. I think one can be forgiven if one’s sympathies are with the Palestinians (note not Hamas). None of which says we condone the acts of either party. 

The Green Party would work toward a peaceful coexistence, with each recognized and respected by the other. This expresses my personal view, based on Green Party policy, and not necessarily the official view of the party. 

Colin Griffiths
Gatineau, Que.

Dealing with Hamas

Ben Cohen’s case for dealing Hamas a decisive and final blow is seriously flawed (“The vanishing two-state solution,” Aug. 14).

He predicates his arguments on the rational conduct of Gazans once Hamas is decisively defeated. History has shown when a population has overwhelmingly accepted its leadership’s narrative, hostilities, resentment and hatred continue to simmer long after defeat. Gazans believe that all of Palestine has been usurped by the Jews and must be redeemed. The defeat of Hamas will only ensure greater radicalization and a more virulent hatred. ISIS has already established a foothold in Gaza, waiting to supplant Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Add to this the profound Arab indignation of the Ummah’s honour and military prowess trampled by the “cunning” Jews and you have a prescription for protracted conflict.

Palestinians, Israelis and the international community would best be served in forcing Hamas and Islamic Jihad to renounce their genocidal aims, recognize the Jewish State of Israel, disarm under international supervision and start building an accountable polity.

Unless the international community forcefully supports and implements such an initiative, instead of ignoring Hamas’ stated goals, this conflict will continue its downward spiral, whether with Hamas or its more virulent heirs.  

Joe Ronn 
Outremont, Que.