Words are not enough to capture my disbelief and discouragement on hearing that only 1,000 Palestinians are being considered to be granted refuge in Canada through the extended family program for people in Gaza.
While over 600,000 Ukrainian refugees have had their applications approved for three-year temporary status in Canada, applications for Palestinians will closed at 1,000.
I never thought Canadian officials would exemplify such a racist double standard during such a critical time.
In 1939, Canada said NO to a ship carrying 900 desperate Jews to our shores. Anyone with a conscience has regretted it ever since. In 1979 we accepted 60,000 Vietnamese boat people.
We know that two million Palestinians in Gaza have lost everything, and are at risk of starvation and preventable disease. Actually they didn’t lose it. It was taken – bombed into obliteration. The death toll rises daily, now at over 22,000 as of January 5, 2024 – the majority of them women and children. Meanwhile, we are not even united on demanding a ceasefire. Unbelievable.
We shouldn’t have to accept any Palestinians, because they should be safe in their own land. But they are not, and we are complicit in their suffering.
So come on Canada: stop the war, or open the doors really wide.
And what is this statement by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Ya’ara Saks, who has responded to “concerns” by explaining the reunification program is “a limited program, the security concerns are well understood and the security requirements are strict and follow reviews from Israeli authorities.”
I am appalled that a Canadian minister has suggested the government sees Palestinians as a threat, for it is fundamentally racist and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. And why on earth should Israeli authorities have a say in who is acceptable in Canada?
With families being torn apart, and the death toll rising, it’s imperative the Canadian government remove this arbitrary quota.
Meaningful and effective emergency immigration measures need to be implemented immediately!
Sincerely,
Rev. Juanita Austin
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