Why have I created this blog?

I have created this blog to provide a space on the web for Canadian trade unionists who support Israel.

Over the past several years, some within the Canadian and international labour movements have engaged in campaigns designed to denigrate the State of Israel. Those trade unionists who have attempted to demonize the State of Israel do not represent the views of rank and file trade unionists in Canada.

As a result, a number of trade unionists from various national unions have come together to provide a resource for trade uinonists who support Israel. We do so on the firm conviction that support for Israel is consistent with deeply held trade union values. We also do so on the deep conviction that the path to peace in the Middle East cannot come through the demonization and isolation of the Jewish state.

The launch of this site was driven by the recent "call" for trade unionists to use May Day to protest the possible adhesion of the State of Israel to the OECD. A "call" like this exemplifies the problem and makes it clear what underlies this anti-Israel campaign.

Why? First, May Day is a day of international worker solidarity. It also happens to be the only holiday celebrated by both Israeli and Palestinian workers. This is a day meant to celebrate the unity of the international working class - not a day to divide workers based on their nationality. Second, the State of Israel has a free, vibrant and democratic trade union movement. Trade unionists should not be attempting to isolate such a country - especially on May Day. Third, trade unionists have not made such a "call" concerning the adhesion of other countries, in particular other countries with truly problematic human rights and trade union rights records. For instance, both South Korea and Turkey belong to the OECD - and neither can claim to have a free trade union movement.

As a trade unionist, I cannot support such a call. In fact, we must mobilize to expose the double standards, to inform, educate and organize. If you would like to help out, let me know.
Mikael