Jagmeet Singh’s NDP officially supports BDS against Israel

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Jagmeet Singh, NDP Leader. Photo: Twitter video Jagmeet Singh

On October 10, 2019 the pro-Palestinian organization Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) posted:

The proof will be in the pudding: In a response to the I Vote Palestine #IVotePalestine questionnaire, the Canada’s NDP / Le NPD du Canada writes that it stands opposed to Israel’s human rights abuses, recognizes the Palestinian right of return, and supports the right to engage in #BDS. 🇵🇸 While CJPME is happy to see the party’s statements, we hope that after the election, the NDP will publicly assert the principles they claim to espouse in this document. 👍

CJPME’s post was accompanied with the following document (page 1, page 2):

Canada Palestine Association

NDP Response:

We stand for freedom, justice and equality for the Palestinian people, and we ask you to clarify where you and your party stand on the following:

Do you support Palestinian human and national rights including the inalienable right to self-determination?

Yes, we are committed to the protection of Palestinian human rights, including the inalienable right to self-determination.

Do you oppose Israeli ethnic cleansing, war crimes and apartheid?

We oppose all human-rights abuses committed by Israel, including killings, arbitrary and abusive detention, forced displacement, restrictions on movement, the expansion of illegal settlements, and all other human-rights abuses.

Do you recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality?

Yes, we stand for full equality of Arab Israelis and against the discrimination that exists against them in Israel today.

Do you respect, protect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194?

We fully support UN resolutions with respect to Israel and Palestine, including UN General Assembly resolution 194.

Do you support ending Israeli occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall?

Yes. Canada should play a more active role in calling for the end of Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.

Do you oppose Canadian tax-deductible status for the Jewish National Fund HESEG Foundation and all Zionist organizations that are disguised as charities while supporting the Israeli military and settlements?

These are matters for the CRA to determine. Having said that, NDP MP Pierre-Luc Dusseault sponsored a parliamentary petition calling on the Minister of National Revenue to revoke JNF Canada’s charitable status if found to be in violation of the Income Tax Act and CRA guidelines and policies.

Do you recognize the rights of Canadians to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions BDS movement as a non-violent strategy to force Israel to abide by UN resolutions and all international humanitarian laws?

Yes.

Do you oppose condemning or criminalizing people or organizations who support the BDS Movement?

Yes.

Do you oppose the anti-Palestinian, anti-democratic and politically charged IHRA definition of anti-Semitism?

We believe the government of Canada must have a clear definition of anti-Semitism so we can better gauge, report, and work towards ending it. We have some concerns that the IHRA definition and its associated examples could undermine those who wish to speak out in favour of the human rights of Palestinians.

In it for you. NDP. Jagmeet Singh.