View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, Apr 24, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) expresses its consternation over the actions taken by the Chilliwack School District (CSD) in Chilliwack, BC following a complaint by B’nai Brith Canada. These actions include an apology by the CSD prior to an investigation into a teacher who discussed the Israel-Palestine conflict in a Grade 12 Genocide Studies class. The ARPCF believes it is fully justified for the oppression of Palestinians to be examined in a CSD high school genocide studies class, especially in light of the many reliable assertions presented to the International Court of Justice suggesting that Palestinians are facing a genocide. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, Apr 22, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) condemns the recent decision by the Toronto Public Library (TPL) to remove the poem "If I Must Die" by Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer from a display on the "Israel-Palestine Conflict" at its Main Street Library location. This action followed complaints from pro-Israel and Zionist advocacy organization B’nai Brith Canada, which criticized the display as biased and falsely accused the poem of glorifying “martyrdom.” ARPCF is deeply disappointed by the TPL’s decision to suppress important Palestinian cultural voices. Continue reading

 View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, Apr 18, 2024 — The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) is deeply alarmed by the recent decision to ban the wearing of Palestinian keffiyehs within the Ontario Legislative Assembly (OLA) at Queen’s Park. This policy, affecting all legislators, staff, and visitors, was confirmed by Speaker Ted Arnott after word of the ban had spread for days online, and has been publicly challenged by leaders across political lines.  Speaker Arnott announced in an email that the keffiyeh is no longer considered non-partisan cultural garb but is an "overt political statement," alleging that such symbols conflict with the legislative decorum.  ARPCF rejects this explanation and urges the keffiyeh ban to be immediately reversed.  Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, April 16, 2024 — The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) expresses its profound appreciation to the Peel District School Board (PDSB) for including Nakba Remembrance Day in its 2023-24 Days of Significance calendar. This important recognition acknowledges the historical experiences of Palestinian students and their families, thus fostering a more inclusive and empathetic educational environment. By marking this day, the PBSB significantly enhances the understanding of Palestinian heritage and contributes to the broader fight against anti-Palestinian racism within Canadian educational settings. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, April 2, 2024 – The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) voices deep concern and disappointment over the recent mass resignation of ten members of the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival programming team. This unprecedented move underscores a troubling trend with cultural institutions, where voices of Palestinian and their allies are often marginalized or disregarded. The mass resignation of ten members of the programming team, including, veterans Myrocia Watamaniuk and Angie Driscoll, signals a concerning disconnect in the festival’s commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling, particularly regarding Palestinian narratives.     Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, March 28, 2024 - The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) commends the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) for its landmark decision to allocate two full-time equity coach positions dedicated to supporting Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and Arabic-speaking students. This progressive move represents a crucial step towards addressing and mitigating anti-Palestinian racism (APR) and discrimination within the Ottawa-Carleton community. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by the affected student groups, the OCDSB has set a precedent for inclusivity and support that will undoubtedly enhance the learning environment for all. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, March 18, 2024 — The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) strongly disapproves of the failure to list Palestine as a country of origin on the passport application of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This absence effectively negates Palestinian identity and contributes to Anti-Palestinian racism by denying the Palestinian people the fundamental acknowledgment of their homeland. A significant outcry on social media in February, 2024, sparked by a popular TikTok video, underscored the frustration and sense of exclusion felt by Palestinian Canadians and their descendants, who find their nation unrepresented in official Canadian bureaucratic processes. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, January 30, 2024 — The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) expresses profound concern over remarks made by Selina Robinson regarding Palestine, which were made public on January 30, 2024. Speaking at an event organized by the Jewish advocacy group B’nai Brith, Robinson described historic Palestine as a "crappy piece of land" with little economic value prior to the 1948 creation of the state of Israel. These comments first reflect a misunderstanding of the geography, climate, and rights and history of the indigenous Palestinian people.  Robinson’s comments also perpetuate a narrative of racial superiority that justifies the ongoing denial of the rights of Palestinians to self-determination. Continue reading