The Palestinian Canadian Congress (PCC) in coordination with many Ottawa based human rights organizations are leading the efforts to continue building support for the Palestinian human rights. As a follow up to the campaign to support the Invisible Art Exhibition, we are running this petition to thank City of Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson for his principled position. We plan to setup a meeting with the Mayor and present the community support. We call on the Palestinian Canadian community in Ottawa to sign this petition and show their support for freedom of speech in an inclusive and open environment.Please add your signature as soon as possible! Share with your friends! We plan to submit this petition soon!"

Below is the petition statement:

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To: Mr. Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa

Dear Mayor Watson:

As members of the Palestinian community in Ottawa, we write to thank you and the City of Ottawa for hosting the art exhibit "Invisible" at City Hall. You were pressured to remove this exhibit, and we understand that. We are Canadian citizens and residents of Ottawa, who embrace inclusiveness, openness, and the freedom to express ourselves and learn from one another. We write to express our appreciation to you for resisting the initiatives of those who assert that we are somehow "other."

Art that illustrates tragedy and complexity is not equivalent to aggression and intolerance.

Thank you for demonstrating your commitment that Ottawa is home to us all, and that diverse experiences can be freely expressed and embraced.