An attempted boycott of a Halifax health food store that carries Israeli SodaStream products has mostly fizzled, according to Mark David, the Atlantic region consultant for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).

Only about a dozen middle-aged protesters appeared at Planet Organic April 7 to urge a boycott of SodaStream products. They were shooed away from the store by management, and their efforts appear to have had no impact on sales, he said.

Instead, David and CIJA’s “Buycott Israel” initiative is urging consumers to purchase SodaStream products and inform store management of their shopping decision, he added.

SodaStream is an Israeli company that sells soda-making gas cylinders that allow consumers to make their own carbonated beverages. One of the firm’s principal Israeli production facilities is in Mishor Adumim, which protesters say is on occupied Palestinian land.

Marta Mikita-Wilson, president and CEO of SodaStream’s Canadian operation, said the company has been the subject of boycott attempts at times over the past few years, but very little has come of it.

Sales have not been adversely affected, and the publicity has led some consumers, who were unaware of the company, to take a closer look at its products, she said.

“It’s almost a reverse effect,” she added. “You put us in the light of the media and people say what’s this?”

They find out that “it’s a huge wellness product” that’s good for the environment, reduces pollution created by plastic bottles and is beneficial to consumers.

“People sell more after they create awareness,” she added.

Mikita-Wilson, who hails from Poland, said protesters’ concerns are unfounded. “When we built the factory, there was as of yet no agreement there would be a Palestinian state there,” she said. “It’s close to the border and… it’s not sure how it’s been established about what territory belongs to who.”

She said in postwar Europe, the borders of Poland, Germany and Czechoslovakia all moved, but “nobody boycotted over borders.”

Mikita-Wilson said the company employs hundreds of Palestinians, about half its workforce.

“SodaStream has been targeted around the world. Somebody feels that we as a company don’t recognize Palestinian workmanship. That’s not true. We create the work for them. We give them a chance to make a decent living.”

She pointed to a promotional video released by the company – “Building Bridges, not Walls” – which touts its positive impact on Palestinians. It provides them with jobs, respects their religious practices, brings them into the same workplace with Druze and Israelis, including those of Russian and Ethiopian backgrounds, pays them far more than the prevailing wage in the West Bank, and does so at the cost of profits.

Company CEO Daniel Birnbaum said in the video that the location of the factory would make more economic sense if it were closer to suppliers, technicians and the country’s port.

David said advocates of the BDS movement have in the past attempted to boycott Halifax’s Mountain Equipment Co-op store, which also carried Israeli products, but “we don’t usually see this kind of boycott here.”

David added that he purchased SodaStream merchandise at Planet Organic and “we made sure that Planet Organic was thanked for carrying Israeli products.”

At The CJN’s press time, Planet Organic had not responded to a request for an interview.

Article imported from: http://www.cija.ca/centre-publications/media/anti-israel-boycott-draws-little-interest/

Photo Credit: FoodWinenet

I have a distinct memory, as a young child, of eavesdropping on a discussion between my parents and their friends, and hearing a comment to the effect that “..had Israel existed during World War II, the Holocaust would never have happened…” While I was vaguely aware of Israel’s military prowess, and had already set off on a road of amateur interest in military history that continues to this day, I had no idea what the comment meant. Surely it did not mean that Israel could have defeated the Nazis in a war. And since I had been “listening in”, I did not dare ask what that comment meant.

My state of confusion did not last terribly long. I soon came to understand in abstract terms that Israel was the national home of the Jewish people and would have provided a place of sanctuary for the persecuted Jews of Europe when almost every other nation, including Canada, refused to open their doors when the likely fate of those desperate refugees was abundantly clear. Even when I went to Israel for the first time in 1985, despite my Zionist background, the concept remained somewhat abstract – in fact, if anything, the particular memory I hold from that trip is of being told by recent olim that if I did not make aliyah to Israel, I was somehow deficient as a Zionist.

Fast forward to the spring of 2005, when I had the privilege of participating on an adult version of The March of the Living. After witnessing the depths of the Jewish experience in Europe, our group (being the sole Atlantic Canadian, I was grafted on to the Coast-to-Coast Mission, a great group of people from various spots in Canada but primarily Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver) held a final memorial service at The Warsaw Ghetto Fighters Memorial and prepared to fly El-Al to Israel. On the bus to the airport, the group was almost giddy with joy at the prospect of being in Israel within a few hours.

While in Israel over the following week, we observed Yom HaZikaron at Tel Hai and at Kaztrin. The next day we celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut in Yerushalayim – a party like no other. We traveled all over Israel, rural and urban.

And somewhere in the midst of all that, a switch was flipped on inside me, and it was then that I think I really realized in palpable and concrete terms what Israel is really all about. A Jewish state. The national home of the Jewish people. Debunking crude antisemitic stereotypes, built by Jews from all over the world into an economic, scientific, cultural and artistic powerhouse far out of proportion to its size. Not a theocracy, but governed by a democratically elected parliament and the rule of law. Influenced by Jewish values and adherence to many Jewish religious customs. Freedom of religion. Freedom of the press. All accomplished while being a major focal point of the world’s attention (also far out of proportion to its size), dealing with numerous internal issues (religious/non-religious, Ashkenazic/Sephardic, Jewish/non-Jewish, and so on), and defeating constant existential threats at an enormous human cost.

And for all of that, my personal experience is that Israel is one of the most normal places I know.

And everyone should experience it firsthand to make sure that their Zionist switch is in the “on” position.

Article imported from: http://www.cija.ca/antisemitism/mark-david-flipping-a-switch/

All programs are free and open to the public with fellowship to follow the program.
 
St. John’s Newfoundland
Sunday, April 7th, at 7:30 p.m
Guest Speaker:  Philip Riteman, Holocaust survivor
Location: Sheraton Hotel, St. John’s, Newfoundland
 
 
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Monday, 8 April, at 6:30 pm
Guest speaker: Dr. Francis Weil, a child survivor of the Holocaust.
Studio Theatre 1 at The Confederation Centre of the Arts
145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown.
Dr. Weil’s presentation and everyone is invited to attend this free event.
 
 
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Monday, April 8th at 8pm
Guest speaker: Dr. Israel Unger, Holocaust survivor
Scotiabank Theatre, Saint Mary’s University
903 Robie Street, Halifax.
Reception and book signing to follow program.
 
Sydney, Cape Breton
Sunday, April 14, 2:00 pm
Guest speaker is Mr. Leslie Meisel, Toronto, a survivor of the Holocaust.
Temple Sons of Israel Synagogue, Sydney.
 
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Sunday April 14, at 3:00 pm.
Guest speaker: Bill Glied, Holocaust survivor
Sgoolai Israel Synagogue
168 Westmorland Street, Fredericton
 
Saint John, New Brunswick
Monday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Guest speaker: Bill Glied, Holocaust survivor
Shaarei Zedek Synagogue, 91 Leinster Street.
 
Moncton, New Brunswick
Sunday, April 21 at 2 pm
Guest Speaker:  Dr. Israel Unger, Holocaust Survivor
Tiferes Israel Synagogue
56 Steadman Street, Moncton
There will be prayers, lighting of memorial candles, and fellowship.
Israel Unger will be available to sign his book.
 
These programs have been, in part, made possible by financial support from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany.

Opening reception Wednesday, February 6th 7pm – 9pm. Nova Scotia Archives, 6016 University Ave. Halifax. See group program information below.

Painted in Israel in the Fall of 2010, 35 Days in Israel is famed Canadian artist Tom Forrestall’s series of 24 watercolour paintings on paper. The exhibit will be on display for public viewing from February 1st -28th in the Chase Art Gallery of the Nova Scotia Archives, 6016 University Ave. Halifax. Admission is free.

Group Programs: During the month of February, community groups and students are invited to attend a gallery talk with the artist. Community organizations, teachers and school administrators, please contact Patrick, Atlantic Jewish Council, 422-7491 ext.221, atlanticjewishcouncil@theajc.ns.ca to schedule a date and time.

Artist’s Introduction: Watercolour has been with me since my earliest days of painting and has always been the most enjoyable side of my painting experience; allowing me to work while I travel throughout my own country and abroad. Working on site has a way of turning on all my senses and allows me to capture not only the visual experience but the spirit of the place as well.

The paintings are rooted in the great English watercolour tradition of painters such as J.M.W. Turner, John Constable and John Sell Cotman. Drawing inspiration from these masters and from the wondrous countries through which I travel I find myself forever a student.

“The watercolours I did in Israel are, I feel, some of my finest efforts. I was honoured and delighted for the opportunity to work and travel throughout this beautiful country. The sights and people of the land will continue to inspire me for years to come. I would like to thank all the people who assisted me in this project including my son Frank for accompanying me and documenting our marvelous journey and a special thanks to the Atlantic Jewish Council and Jon Goldberg for having faith in my work and guiding this project from its inception.” Tom Forrestall, March 2011

Purchase Informaion: Each original watercolour painting is sold for $4,100. and comes framed, there is an additional charge for delivery. Please contact Jon Goldberg, Executive Director, Atlantic Jewish Council, for information regarding purchase: jgoldberg@theajc.ns.ca or (902) 422-7491 ext. 222.

On March 3, 2013, Mark David, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs’ Atlantic Representative, addressed the Israel/Palestinian conflict at a Halifax meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers).

The Halifax Friends are studying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Friend Maida Follini noted in her invitation that “…since our national organization of Friends helps support the Friends School in Ramallah, which has been going since 1869, we hear about the Palestinian view from that source. As “bystanders” I feel it is important that we learn about the Israeli point of view.”

Mark gave a broad overview of the history of the conflict, the major issues, and the elusive peace process. He noted that the conflict will only be resolved by unconditional direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians that lead to two states co-existing in peace. The Friends asked Mark a wide range of questions on subjects such as Israeli settlements, the Security Barrier and the recent elections.

When asked what the Friends could do to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, Mark urged them to support measures that bring the two sides together and encourage mutual obligations and compromises by both sides to resolve the conflict.

Halifax Friend Maida Follini and Mark David

Source: http://www.cija.ca/israel-advocacy/visit-to-religious-society-of-friends-halifax/

Until March 31st, 2013 at Jacks Gallery, 450 Main St. Wolfville, N.S.

The AJC, in partnership with the University of King’s College, will host the International Holocaust Remembrance Day program on Wednesday, January 23^rd at 7pm with keynote speakers Holocaust survivor Philip Riteman and Dr. Dorota Glowacka, author of Disappearing Traces, Holocaust Testimonies, Ethics, and Aesthetics. This program will also include musical performances with a reception and book signing to follow. KTS Lecture Hall, 2nd Floor,  New Academic Building, 6350 Coburg Road. This event is free and open to the public.

Mark David
CIJA, Atlantic Canada. 

The Centre is truly a national Canadian organization, or, as is Canada’s motto, it exists “A Mari Usque Ad Mare” – “From Sea to Sea”. The domain of the Centre even stretches across the Mediterranean Sea all to way to Israel and the Centre staff in Israel.

We all face the same basic tasks as we seek to implement the Centre’s strategic objectives. In particular, we have to accurately and fairly explain the usually highly-charged events that seem to happen daily with respect to Israel (seriously; in what other country could the building of a subdivision create worldwide headlines and attract the attention of the President of the United States?).  Just as importantly, we need to take the discussion about Israel “beyond the conflict” and show that despite having to devote enormous resources to self-defence, Israel is an integral member of the community of nations that has blossomed into a world leader in education, culture and technology.

All that said, one thing that I have considered from time to time is the manner in which the advocacy task in Atlantic Canada might differ from other regions.

The obvious difference results from population and infrastructure. The best estimates usually place the size of the Atlantic Canadian Jewish community at approximately 2,500 people, a number that I suggest is very inclusive. There are a smattering of synagogues (and cemeteries) across Atlantic Canada. There is a wonderful summer camp (Camp Kadimah, in Lunenburg County, NS). But there are no homes for seniors, no day schools, community centres, kosher restaurants, or other Jewish institutions. Issues discussed at staff retreats regarding Jewish social services are essentially non-existent here. That is not to say that such issues never arise, but that when they do, it is likely on a random basis and almost always handled within the community.

Apart from that, my general sense is that the balance of the advocacy task is largely the same as elsewhere in Canada. The various Jewish communities throughout Atlantic Canada have always been well-respected as a direct result of their proud history of participation and contribution to public life. However, that does not necessarily directly translate to support for Israel, especially as the demographics of the region change. Persons and groups who take a rather polar opposite position about the Jewish community and/or Israel are just as much a fact of life here as anywhere else, as are differences of opinion within our own community as to the best approach to advocacy. The same need exists here as elsewhere to work constructively and cooperatively with government, media, community, business, and academic leaders to build understanding and close relationships.

In the end, advocacy in Atlantic Canada is probably the same as elsewhere but different – making it just another part of the mythical Canadian societal tapestry.  By the way, until I prepared this piece, I did not know the Biblical origins (Psalm 72:8) of the Canadian motto. I don’t know if in this modern age people “look it up” anymore, so I will say that you can “click it up” – check this link.  Mark David: ajc@cija.ca

The Young Leadership Israel Advocacy program (YLIA) is an exciting program that guides a select group of young Jewish professionals from across Canada into the federal political process. The YLIA program provides participants with the knowledge, skills and political connections to make getting involved exciting and fun, while simultaneously making it possible for them to make a difference in their respective Jewish communities/Federations, and advancing the pro-Israel agenda.

Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet senior Canadian parliamentarians and government officials during a conference in Ottawa, listen to various experts on monthly conference calls and travel to Israel on a highly specialized mission with Canadian parliamentarians. By the end of the program, participants will be well equipped to become active players in Canadian politics and well-prepared to make a difference for themselves, their communities, and their local Federations.

Eligibility:

YLIA is open to any Jewish young adult between the ages of 23-45 who is either a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant. Participants must have an interest in becoming involved in the Canadian political arena and their local Federations. Participants must reside in Canada throughout the program with the intention of staying in Canada afterwards. Undergraduate students are not eligible unless they are over 25 years of age.

For Program Features and Further Information, visit: 

http://www.cija.ca/community-2/young-leadership-israel-advocacy-program-2013/