The following letter by NUPGE has been sent to the Prime Minister urging him to take a stand against the attack on the Gaza freedom flotilla.
Text of letter below:
May 31, 2010
Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
Langevin Building
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A2
Dear Prime Minister Harper,
The recent attack by Israeli Defense Forces on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla killing human rights activists has rightly outraged most Canadians and the world. I am writing you, on behalf of the National Union of Public and General Employees, to condemn this attack during your meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This recent attack requires an immediate and strong condemnation from Canada. For Canada to remain silent on this attack as other countries and the United Nations criticize this horrific act on unarmed activists is unconscionable.
Mr. Netanyahu’s presence in Canada following this attack accords you the opportunity to personally impress upon him our concern over Israeli aggression. Failure to do so is a betrayal of Canada’s historical commitment to human rights. Furthermore, I urge you and your government to recall our ambassador to Israel and call for a meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss this matter.
Your government in the past has steadfastly refused to criticize the state of Israel. Surely this action by the Israeli Defense Forces on the eve of your meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister will end this silence.
Sincerely yours,
James Clancy
National President
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada"s largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
