Since a ceasefire took effect October 10, the BBC reports Israel has levelled entire neighbourhoods in the parts of Gaza under its control. The IDF defends the demolition as the dismantling of terror infrastructure. The standing-room-only discussion highlighted the sense of community in small towns, where people can come together both in consolation and to demand change.

The standing-room-only discussion highlighted the sense of community in small towns, where people can come together both in consolation and to demand change.

The question of the day, “Is Canada Complicit in a Genocide?” explored Canada’s role in an international humanitarian crisis. The event took place four days after a United Nations’ legal analysis concluded that Israeli authorities and security forces “have committed and are continuing to commit” acts of genocide.

Co-organizer Doug Appeldoorn started the event by showing a clip from the Oscar-shortlisted film, From Ground Zero, a collection of 22 shorts made by Palestinian filmmakers in Gaza. Khamis Masharawi’s moving contribution, Soft Skin, is narrated by Palestinian children. 

Speakers Hassan Husseini, Laura Sky and Adham Diabas each brought a unique angle to the question, but all agreed on the answer to the question of complicity.

Local Conversations, Global Issues

Mr. Husseni, a negotiator for the Public Service Alliance of Canada, cited the 1948 United Nations Convention of the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in his rationale. He also drew attention to the drones that could be heard throughout the short films, and how the sound still haunts him, decades after his own family left Lebanon.

Husseini is now based in the Ottawa Valley, but he has travelled to several surrounding communities to speak at events like this one. He sees education as a key part of his organizing efforts with Labour for Palestine Canada.

“There are a lot of people who are aware, and want more information,” he said. 

When asked about the impact smaller towns can have on global issues, he stressed that the closeness between people and their elected representatives can be a huge asset.

“Per capita, people in small towns are more engaged than those in the big cities. They can put a lot of pressure on their Members of Parliament.”

Laura Sky, a documentary filmmaker from Campbellford, Ontario, described her experiences as a Jewish woman and activist over the years. Much of Sky’s previous efforts were in Toronto, where she said courage can be drawn from the thousands by your side.

Smaller towns are different, she said. “You’re much more exposed to [potential] anger and retribution. But at the same time, you also have the strength and support of these small groups that are doing incredible things.”

Her most recent project, the documentary film Lights of Hope, made with Mustafa Al-Taiar, reflects smaller town activism. It follows a group of Belleville residents who have held weekly vigils for Palestine for over a year, and their experiences in the community.

“We discuss what the losses have been, and what’s helped us deal with difficult times with family, with friends, with the community,” she said, addressing the Jewish community in the room. “But also our imperative to speak for justice as Jews.”

Local Dialogue

Co-organizer Sami Lester could be seen in the audience, listening intently and nodding along. She acknowledged her own ongoing process of learning, and hoped that the event welcomed others in, just as she once was. 

“In a way, my old self was sort of the target audience here,” she said.

Questions from the audience ranged from concerns regarding the geo-political future of the region, to what actions could be taken at the local level to have tangible impact.

These questions turned out to be timely, as Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the next day that Canada officially recognized Palestinian statehood. Still, he held back from calling Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide, referring instead to a humanitarian crisis.