Galloway's Mac visit

Campus tensions are surfacing around ex-British MP George Galloway's upcoming visit to McMaster University this month.

Judy Schwartz, the director of the McMaster Jewish Students Association, said the campus group respects Galloway's right to his opinion and believes in the freedom of speech, but found it “hard to consider that any group with a conscience and who desire peace would want to have the presence of a gadfly radical like Galloway at McMaster, which degrades the university and diminishes its value.”

“By extending an invitation to this individual, the sponsoring groups only reveal their true intentions — not real dialogue or sharing of information or educating people, but only to demonize Israel and to intimidate Israel's many supporters on campus,” Schwartz said.

Galloway was banned from entering Canada last year because of his financial support to Palestinian group Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by Ottawa. But a Federal Court ruling was critical of the government and immigration officials eventually let Galloway into the country.

The former Labour member of Parliament, who is an outspoken supporter of the Palestinians in the Middle East conflict and a critic of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, is visiting 10 cities on his Canadian tour this month.

Campus groups Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR), Students Resisting War and Occupation (SRWO), Independent Jewish Voices and Students for Social Justice, along with the Hamilton Coalition to Stop the War (HCSW), have come together to bring Galloway to the campus in what they are calling an educational opportunity.

Organizers are expecting about 600 people to attend the Nov. 21 event.

What do you think?

Comments

[Ed2]

He should be allowed to speak. I for one have not followed this issue because all of my life since being of age to understand and interpret NEWS, nothing else but terrorism and killing comes out of the Middle East, so to me it is background noise for over 50 years.

Also, as in the case of Arafat, his personal wealth upon passing away was estimated at well over USD$1 Billion which to me translate as : 'There is big money in politics and terrorism', and the Western World is to blame for some of it.

If this person turns out to be an Ernst Dzundel type, well at least you/we can hear the actual words and not a selected and edited version of someone elses opinion.

What next, ban Micheal Moore?

[Jim]

Everyone has the right to be wrong.

[JOHN CHUCKMAN]

Hamas is an Israeli excuse.

There is no evidence whatsoever that Hamas is a genuine terrorist organization. Indeed, with its fairly regular killing of civilians, we might far more reasonably say Israel behaves as a terrorist entity.

Indeed for years Israel's secret service supported Hamas, mainly a humanitarian organization, to grow an opponent for Fatah, whom they always hated.

Israel is in favor of no leadership by the Palestinians, ever.

Well, Israel's black-op succeeded, but now, after winning the cleanest democratic election in Middle East history, Hamas is called terrorist.

And inhumane and illegal blockade is into its fourth year. Children and women get the minimum possible ration, and no needed rebuilding supplies (after Israel's ghastly Operation Cast Lead) are even allowed in. Not even medical equipment.

Ridiculous.

Indeed, the leadership of Hamas contains many professional people. They wanted to provide clean and effective government after years of Fatah corruption.

But Israel treats them like scum, and refuses even to talk to them. Since when do you not talk to an opponent if you claim you want peace?

Israel could easily reach a modus vivendi with Hamas, gradually building trust on the two sides. It simply refuses.

That's because Israel truly would like to be rid of the million and a half people in Gaza. More than one Israeli prime minister has called it a "nightmare."

Israel wants the land, and not the people, but if it cannot get rid of the people, it wants the people in the most subservient possible posture.

[Naju Devraj Sayani]

Instead of bringing people who support Hamas into this country, the organizations involved should be working to bring about peace and understanding between Jews and Muslims right here. None of these groups have organized any sort of cross-cultural event to promote dialogue and understanding, peace and healing between these two groups. How can we aim for healing globally if we are not healed at home first? How can this event not promote further rift, which it already has? The past is done, the present is now, and there is no future, for when you reach that future, it actually has become your present. Therefore, please, all of you groups that are so busy inciting further tensions, albeit hopefully unintentionally, concentrate instead on speakers that stand for love, healing, solutions that are based on and bathed in acceptance and tolerance of everyone because they are human beings first, be they Jews or Muslims. To take it one step further, every soul is a reflection and a part of our own soul. Partake in souls that don't point an accusatory finger.

[JOHN CHUCKMAN]

George Galloway is a genuinely heroic political figure.

His values of justice and decency are beyond question.

His skills in debating or arguing those values are simply formidable.

Galloway very much reminds me of certain 18th century figures who bravely stood their ground, defending worthwhile principles.

Politicians today generally offer nothing of the kind. Being a political weasel or a hypocrite has been developed into a fine art, as we see in our own thirty-percent prime minister, always excusing his failures with blather.

The running wound of Palestine is the greatest international issue of our day, and almost no politicians and no newspapers are willing to take it on.

The lack of justice and fairness there are major contributing factors to so much of the trouble we see in today's world.

Today Israel is into its fourth year of trying to starve out a million and a half people in Gaza. We have revelations only recently that Israel's government actually calculated the food ration which would make the people miserable but not die from malnutrition, and it is that calculation which decides what enters Gaza.

We also saw Israel attack an unarmed boatload of humanitarian workers on the high seas, deliberately killing nine of them.

How in God's name is that any different to the work of Somali pirates? Yet where is the outrage in our press?

Peace really is not that hard, if you genuinely want it, and Israel, while mouthing the words, clearly does not want peace. It wants more land, minus its inhabitants of centuries.

At least Galloway articulates these humanitarian truths. He also walks the walk, having spearheaded convoys of humanitarian assistance.

For a good perspective on current events in the Middle East see:

http://chuckmanwords.wordpress.com/2010/09/07/the-misnomer-of-peace-talks/

[RockingChairTester]

Jews VS what ever group will continue. The Palestinian issue is further clouded by the internal strife between the Fatah and the Ha-mas. One the palestinians can sort out their own issues they may be able to work out something with Israel.
We often forget that there is a lot of history and complexity in the part of the world. Solutions will not be found over night.

[RockingChairTester]

Universities are meant to be open forums of free thinking and expression. There are two sides to every story and it is up to us as free thinking individuals to take in information and make our own minds up on our personal view after.

[dabodeebodah]

We need people like Mr. Galloway to come here, so more people can learn the truth about the evil Israeli State that is destroying Palestine and slaughtering Palestinians. Let the man speak. Why are all of his opponents worried so much? They are worried because this man carries with him the truth.

[Mac Grad]

Thanks for the video. It is especially sad to see the hurt that is being inflicted on the children. Additionally, I believe that Isreal - and the world - can not disregard the historical ties that the Palestinians have to this land. Clearly, the issue is a complex one. In net, I believe that Israel must come to an agreement with its neighbours that allows the peoples of the land to live in peace and security. That means that the Palestinians must feel that whatever settlement is made is a "just" one. That said, the Palestinians - and the Arab world - MUST recognize Israel'r right to live on their historic land also. The Palestinians - and the Arab world - must renounce terrorism and violence. I believe that the "fanatics" on both sides have hijacked the agenda. I truly believe though that the fanatical element on the Arab side is more extreme and more entrenched in their ideologies. Isreal must negotiate - YES! But they must negotiate with people who can "control" the lunatics who preach hate, murder, terrorism, suicide bombers, World-Trade Tower destruction, decapitating captured soldiers and parading their severed heads, etc. George Galloway's visist is one-sided propaganda that is not rooted in fairness and equity - but continued venom being spewed in one direction. The discussion is NOT an academic one - but a hate-oriented one.

[Besirevic Lela]

Dear Mac Grad,

Just when I though you came to your senses you are showing the same true colors of blindness and a loss of touch with reality, moreover complete disregard for human lives of others that Israelis.
You are right in one, truth is very simple, so I give you a response to your propaganda video, so just look for yourself how democratic Israel is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywsPK4Wa8Sc&feature=related

[Mac Grad]

There is an incredible little video that describes the conflict. The truth is so simple...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63hTOaRu7h4&feature=share

[ed]

I'm starting to wonder whether Mac is filled with a bunch of spoiled brats, they certainly are at the top.

[wael Ghuneim]

Dear Author,
Galloway visit is essential to Hamiltonian to know the truth about the apartheid government in Israel,
If Israel the democratic state in Middle East, why they revoke parliament member Haneen Al-Zubai
as keenest member Because she was at Turkish tortilla Avi Marmara which attacked by Israeli Occupied forces at International Water.
Israel is apartheid state with all means must be punished for their crimes against humanity by international community

[gerry hawke]

Three cheers for free speech! Unless, that is, you don't like the message.
"the McMaster Jewish Students Association, said the campus group respects Galloway's right to his opinion and believes in the freedom of speech, but..." speech we don't like must be silenced. The nasty commentators on this blog (you gleefully use the word "spew" every chance you get) can offer no example of Galloway calling for hate or violence toward any country, ethnic group, individual, or religious believers. None. Zero. Ever. (I'll wait for your stammering response). "But he gave money to Hamas!" Galloway delivered relief funds and materials to help 1.5 million humans locked (for whatever reason) in an outdoor prison camp. Like it or not, Hamas is the elected government of Palestine. Who else should Galloway give the relief to? Galloway often states he "doesn't support Hamas." He does, however, "support democracy." Hamas won the election with an overwhelming landslide. The election was internationally monitored and declared "free and fair." Before you start blubbering "Not true. Hamas violently seized the country!" Consider what the leader of the Canadian monitor team enthusiastically declared: ""We characterize this election as very smooth and we certainly think it reflects the democratic will of Palestinians," [Leslie]Campbell told CTV News Thursday. "There was a real sense of civic duty and excitement."
Three cheers for democracy! Unless, that is, you don't like who gets elected. Look in the mirror. Meet a hypocrite.

[Yasmin]

Why are we allowing people from another country to come here to Canada to spew hatred about Israel and tell lies in support with the so-called "Palestinian" cause? Don't we have enough people here in Canada who are misinformed already? We need this ex-politico from Britain to come here and try to push our beloved country down the tubes, the way his has gone?

[Dave]

One man's terrorist is another's freedom-fighter. Moishe Dyan, Menachim Begin and other founding fathers of the state of Israel were labelled terrorists by the British gov't that occupied Palestine for their part in bombings that resulted in the deaths of innocent citizens. I guess it depends on which side you happen to be on at the time. George Galloway should have never been prevented from entering Canada; he is a pacifist and HAS NEVER MURDERED ANYONE.

[George L.]

I don't think anyone is challenging Galloway's right to speak; it’s irrefutable in law. But Galloway is speaking "hate" and his arguments are fuelled by hate. Countries are not letting him into speak including Canada and Egypt. This is reminiscent of the fiasco at York University in 2009 when the academic body sponsored a hate-fest as a one-sided symposium. Pro-Israel groups were not allowed to come and offer their opinions. And this is what the Galloway discussion will be as well.
Israel is held to an unfair and unobtainable standard. While countries are allowed to subjugate others without impunity, Israel is not allowed to defend itself against those who threaten its existence. That is bias, that is anti-Semitism and that is Racism! Let’s not be so foolish or complacent think, even for a second, that Fatah, Hamas or Hezbollah have renounced violence or have stricken their belief in the non-existence of Israel as the Jewish State. These beliefs or attitudes are in juxtaposition to the majority of Israeli citizens and yes, even the political leaders who have advocated for a two-state solution. And these leaders have even attempted to negotiate it. Let’s be honest, the Palestinians are only interested in a one state solution and will do this at the cost of killing Israeli Jews.
As” L” has pointed out, as a rhetorical question, isn’t a “life? Yes, it is...and please tell that to the leaders of Fatah, Hamas and Hezbollah who continue to use the typical Palestinians as pawns while they profit from their suffering; they don’t treasure life. And unintelligent thugs like Galloway cannot fathom this.

[al]

yes we should hear all opinions if we are in real democtaric country ,are we ?
israel lately have been practicing as a state above all international law not far from apartheid s. africa

[L]

Dear Mac Grad.
Re: Your comment which states:
Clearly this is a BAD thing! Clearly Galloway is spewing a one-sided, anti-Israel agenda. The groups that support his opinion obviously do NOT support Israel. Clearly also, Israel has done a LOT of GOOD in the world. Israel is a valid state that must live alongside HOSTILE enemies. Admonishing Israel without realizing the realities in the region - such as Hamas's activities within the TERRORIST world - is one-sided at best. If the group that wanted Galloway to speak and TRULY wanted an open dialogue, then WHY did they not ALSO invite someone who represents an opposing view?? So, now ...who's afriad of the truth ...or a worthwhile debate? The University should encourage academic debate - not one-sided rhetoric.

Dear Mac Grad, too bad that the university eduction did not teach you true Canadian values, one of them being a RIGHT TO HAVE A DIFFERTENT OPINION. I am a Muslim by faith and I believe that the God has created us all equal, Mulsims, Jewss, Christians, Budhists, etc.. I do not believe in rethoric of need to destroy Israel and the Israeli people, meaning Jews. Buth, for haven`s sake, I HAVE A RIGHT, as many other Canadians to opose Israeli treatment of Palestinians without being labelled as a fascist or holocaust denier, hater, etc...
This is Canada, country of many cultures and many voicers, not all of them blindly "loyal" to the cause of Israel. Why is there a need for a precedent to lick whatever to Israel when there are well over 200 other countries, over 700 different cultures, and genocide happened to others as well, to Bosnians, Armenians, South American indigenous people (over 200 million killed, which is much more than 6 million, right). So, spare me rethoric of HATE of Israel, and try yourself to imagine at least for one day to be a Palestinian in occupied territories. Where is your sense for humanity and universal value for human lives, whether they are Jews, Christians, Muslims, etc...
Why is a Jewish life more valuable that Palestinian. Did German nazis not have a same rethoric. Be ashamed of yourself, and since you are in Canada, try to think from a Canadian prospective. because being 10 thousand kilometers away from her, I do not see why is Israel of a vital importance to Canada as a whole. So, let Mr. Galloway come here and speak,at least he is not propagating fence building to isolate Israelis (how sad that it reminds us of Warsaw in 1939), no destruction of Jewish homes and arrests, mistreatments ands murders of human beings at will, which has no place and justification in any nation in the world, thus how much good Israel did in the world is also debatable. Come to the event and opose Mr. Galloway with arguments, if you have them.

[Mac Grad]

Clearly this is a BAD thing! Clearly Galloway is spewing a one-sided, anti-Israel agenda. The groups that support his opinion obviously do NOT support Israel. Clearly also, Israel has done a LOT of GOOD in the world. Israel is a valid state that must live alongside HOSTILE enemies. Admonishing Israel without realizing the realities in the region - such as Hamas's activities within the TERRORIST world - is one-sided at best. If the group that wanted Galloway to speak and TRULY wanted an open dialogue, then WHY did they not ALSO invite someone who represents an opposing view?? So, now ...who's afriad of the truth ...or a worthwhile debate? The University should encourage academic debate - not one-sided rhetoric.

[how can this happen?]

Galloway is a nut job and just entertaining the thought of him addressing students at a university is ridiculous.

[ed]

I bet if he just sent money they'd except that. Theres always room for more ceramic tile and murals. The whole place down there has become a little pig in the corner collecting donations from everyone and everything. Along with new tile and fancy dedications the money is secretly feathered to expense accounts while the people get nothing in return. For every dollar of donations a tax dollar should be taken away.

[George is Great]

I think his visit should be celebrated. It's always the same people trying to supress the truth! Whenever someone critizes Israel it's because they are racist and/or anti-semitic. Please, we've heard this all a million times before. Stop hiding the truth. Look at yourself in the mirror and make an educated and informed judgement. Let others hear what his message is and let them make that judgement for themselves. " degrading the university and diminishing it's value"?? That's ubsurd. The man is a leading peace activist in the world who speaks against war and occupation, human suffering, waging war under false justifications and crimes against humanity. Is this really a serious question wether he should appear at MacMaster University? Well, I guess the real answer will come on Nov 21. See you there.

[Moll]

Egypt denied Galloway entry on Oct. 21-22, 2010, AGAIN. Does Egypt know something about Galloway that the Gov. of Canada does not?

He's tried to enter Gaza twice now, and twice he has been denied entry.

Tells you something about the man, eh?

[Karen]

What do I think? I think George Galloway is a self-serving imbecile who can't tell right from wrong or good from bad.

[b.levinter]

Galloway is an outright racist with an antisemitic hate message of lies. He is a pawn of the Arab who refuse to recognize the only democracy in the middle east.The spewing of such vitriol should not be condoned in our country or universities.Our freedoms are being abused.

[mac student]

I think the author of this article should be fired. This is sensationalist yellow journalism. There is no tensions at Mac, quite the contray there is a lot of harmony at Mac over the Galloway visit. You can't please everyone but a lot of students are looking forward to the event.

[John Sharkey]

Supporters of the Palestinian cause like George Galloway are exactly the kind of people that need to be speaking on our campuses and community halls across the country. They are a necessary antidote to the slavish pro Israeli propaganda pumped out the corporate media in this country. Yeh Mac Yeh George!

[Whocares.]

I like how this completely butchered the original article.

Half of the article that included the position and statements from the McMaster organizing groups is not present.

[Ari Feldstein]

Jewish Student groups are supporting Galloway's visit. Obviously their intent is not to intimidate. The reporter has done a hit job on these student groups at Mac in trying to create a sensationalist article.

[Me]

So Palestinians cannot have supporters? Israel is a country whose government has done many terrible things and these should not be hidden away because some refuse to admit the truth. This does not reflect poorly on any in Hamilton's Jewish community unless perhaps they support the suffering many Palestinians have endured and continue to endure through no fault of their own. One should not confuse support for Israel's dominent faith with critisism of the actions of the Israeli government. Until they can be openly admitted and discussed by both sides, true peace will never happen. While Palestinian aggression should also be critisized, this has never been a war of equals and Israel's Government needs to take responsability for it's actions and stop the suffering. Only then would you be able to defang Palestinian militant actions.