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Written by Naomi Honey, Nova Scotia
I am compelled to write this letter regarding the dangerous situation in our midst. The situation is that misinformation regarding Jews and Israel is being preached and distributed in this area. The danger is that we Jews are sleeping. The Film, shown last evening at Dalhousie University, “The Borders of Gardens” is one of the best propaganda tools being used to alienate Jews from their fellow Canadians. The fact that the film was to be presented, came to my attention when the director, David Ridgen, was interviewed on CBC’s Information Morning. The director said during the interview that, after this film, there would be time for a discussion. Following this film of utter disregard for truth, the director proceeded to encourage a completely one-sided discussion that totally dismissed any input from Jews. When a member of the audience tried to present factual information in support of Israel’s position it was dismissed or mocked by this director. He was sarcastic, arrogant and rude. He cut off in mid-sentence, any statements with which he did not agree. This film director made certain there was no possibility for the mediated discussion one would expect on such an inflammatory subject presented on a Canadian University Campus. Following this presentation, my brother Mikial, Mark Appleton and myself were aggressively included in loud dialogue, in the hallway, with Palestinian students, mothers of Palestinian students and others. Some of them were extremely aggressive, talking very loudly, pressing very close. They made incredible statements, like “The Jews own all the businesses in North America”. “ I agree with Hitler, and I say Heil Hitler! He knew what to do with the Jews”. One very young Palestinian woman, talking to a Dalhousie radio reporter, gestured at me and told the reporter to look at me, my facial features and colouring. Since I obviously didn’t look like her (Mediterranean that is) but North American like the reporter, she went on to say that I had no right to be there in support of Israel as it has nothing to do with me. As I watched the blatant lies and mistruths, misrepresentation of facts and quotes out of context, unfold before me during the evening, I was left with the sobering thought that just 30 minutes prior to this, and one km away, the Jewish community was observing the Kristalnacht of 1939. Three of us had distributed flyers to those attending that observance, alerting them to the film that was to follow. To my knowledge, no one came. I believe there were possibly about eight Jews there including myself, my brother Mikail and Mark Appleton. I have been told that it would be “undemocratic” not to allow films such as this to be shown. For the Jewish community, however, the film is disastrous. We must respond faster and with more weight to these mounting attacks on our very existence. Counteraction in these situations appears a daunting task to many. But it must be accomplished. There is no more time to sit by and watch as the collective minds of our local communities are slowly brainwashed into questioning the very existence of Israel. We must leave our Canadian comfort zones and speak up and out on behalf of Israel, ourselves, and no less important, our children here in Canada. It would be a mistake of disastrous proportion to believe the issue at hand is directed only at Israel. I am incredulous when asked by a fellow Jew why I would attend the film. My answer is that I must know what we are up against here in Nova Scotia. My answer is that I want the Palestinian supporters to know that even in Nova Scotia, we know what is going on. My answer is that I will not allow Israel to stand alone, I will support Israel even at this distance. My answer is that I will not keep silent and watch them poison the minds of our students and local Nova Scotia communities with lies and propaganda. My answer is my concern for Israel and my family in Canada. And my answer is that I will not sit silently and watch the lies become the truths again. We must be vigilant and alert for presentations of this sort taking place in our community. And then, we, the Jewish community, are obligated to provide a consistent strong presence. It is our duty. Most Sincerely, Naomi Honey |