It’s time for the NDP to stand for democracy and human rights for Palestinians

A resolution has been submitted to the NDP convention to update the NDP's policy on Palestine. It is supported by human rights advocates, veteran NDP activists, including ex-MP Libby Davies, and my organization, Independent Jewish Voices Canada. If adopted, it would significantly shift the discourse in Canada about Palestine. Its ripple effects would reach even more widely. The resolution has three points. It says the NDP will: Call upon Israel to end its occupation and settlement program, lift the Gaza blockade, recognize its Arab-Palestinian citizens' right to full equality, and address refugee claims fairly; Call for banning settlement products from Canadian markets, and using other forms of diplomatic and economic pressure to end the occupation; Oppose Canadian parliamentary efforts to undermine non-violent movements seeking a just resolution; in other words, oppose efforts to criminalize advocating for boycott, divestment and sanctions as Palestinian civil organizations have asked overseas supporters to do.