NDP adopts bold sanctions policy on Israel
Ottawa (QNN)- The New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP) has adopted a bold new policy in support of a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements and an arms embargo on Israel.
Yesterday evening, at the NDP policy convention, party members passed a popular, grassroots resolution in support of a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements and an arms embargo on Israel.
The motion was brought forward by a coalition of Palestinian and Jewish activists, who have organized for years to get the NDP take action to support Palestinian human rights.
Breaking: the @NDP has just adopted a progressive policy on Palestine, endorsing sanctions on Israel (a ban on trade with Israeli settlements and an arms embargo on Israel). It passed by 80%. Congratulations! #NDPConvention2021 pic.twitter.com/8tf4ZFMeYL
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) April 10, 2021
We just sent this PR to media!#NDP members just overwhelmingly took a historic stance in favour of concrete action on #PalestineResolution
This is an incredible victory, and I am so so proud of everyone who worked to get this resolution passed.
Please RT and share! pic.twitter.com/Hb8WqgEOUC
— Geneviève Joëlle (@genevievejoelle) April 10, 2021
“The adoption of this motion today was a result of a groundswell of support from the grassroots membership,” said Amy Kishek, one of the lead organizers for the Justice and Peace in Israel Palestine Resolution at this weekend’s NDP convention.
“Not only is this position hugely popular with the NDP membership but it is something that is supported by the vast majority of the Canadian labor movement as well as the Canadian population at large.”
The adopted policy today also has strong support among many of Canada’s major labor unions including the Canadian Labor Congress which represents over three million workers across the country.
“The adoption of this policy today firmly positions the NDP as one of the few parties demanding the end of Canada’s support for illegal settlements and suspending the flow of weapons to and from Israel until Palestinians are free,” said Geneviève Nevin, another organizer behind the successful resolution.
“In a time of unparalleled and intersecting social, environmental, and economic crises, it is of paramount importance that the NDP stand with and take direction from marginalized communities and those fighting for peace and justice everywhere.”
According to the NDP’s new Israel sanctions policy, New Democrats believe in “ending all trade and economic cooperation with illegal settlements in Israel-Palestine,” and “suspending the bilateral trade of all arms and related materials with the State of Israel until Palestinian rights are upheld.”
The resolution was endorsed by thirty-three riding associations, the party’s young wing, and several NDP MPs.
There was a similar grassroots initiative to adopt a ban on settlement goods at the previous NDP convention in 2018, but it was blocked from coming to the floor for a vote.
