Open Letter in Support of Nadia Shoufani

Nadia Shoufani, thank you for your courage to speak truth to power!

Enough said.

A travesty for the truth. With God's help we can right this wrong.

It is vital to protect freedom of speech and a teacher's ability to be an active citizen on important issues, including issues that are controversial.

It is morally reprehensible and unbelievebly cowardly that GTA school boards are being pressured by the Canadian Pro-Israel Lobby in such a way that language has lost it's purpose and thus all mediums of Canadian public communication are allowed to continue being windows of dissemenating misinformation, falshood, text-book lies to a point where any and all criticism of the illegal zionist occupation 'so-called Israel' is defined as anti-semitism and any and all support for the existence of a Palestinian identity is tagged as terrorism. Palestinians are semites whose land is a sivereign soil; the Canadian complaint systems are being extremely abused by the pro-israel lobby that Canadians have become desensitized at the grotesque methods of mocking Canadian civil governance on both the federal and provincial spheres; and it's because of this poisoned media and high degree of political corruption at the CRTC that Canadians are silently accepting the passification of their moral backbone. Aljazeera English was not allowed to join Canadian cable networks because of its strong on-the-ground coverage of atrocities being commited by the IDF both in Gaza, the West bank and anywhere in between that still accomodates a soaring Palestinian flag; if that flag had sentience, it will always be at half mast. Flanders field was the result of Canadian moral code being deployed to action in 2 world wars, the fall of South Africa's Apartheid government was due to the imposed embargo by nations like Canada. So why is the Canadian morality so helplessly paralyzed when it comes to the Palestinian people's most elemental right: to simply exist? Why is the Canadian moral currency so devalued when it comes to Palestinian rights it's practically less valuable than Canadian Tire left-over money? If Stephen Harper was Tel Abib's northern puppy pet, why are these unconstitutional, job-costing, life altering and unjust harrastments of Canadian Citizens vocally condemning Israel's genocide are be

I am very concerned about the accusations against Nadia Shoufani by conservative pro-Israel lobby groups.

This sets a very frightening precedent for teachers and for free speech.

The question is why Catholic school boards and OECTA are not actively supporting Nadia and the Palestinian people.

Last August our organization, The Seriously Free Speech Campaign, sent the following letter to the Dufferin Peel School Board, the OECTA and the Toronto Police Department to defend Nadia Shoufani's right to free speech. "The Seriously Free Speech Campaign is committed to free expression of views on Palestine and Israel. Our concern is the growing intimidation, censorship and threats against organizations and individuals who criticize Israel’s actions. Israeli – in violation of at least 70 UN resolutions and in contravention of international law for a brutal decades-long occupation of Palestine, the expansion of settlements and the siege of Gaza – is the object of condemnation by Canada civil society and the international community. Those who value fundamental human rights and justice have an obligation to hold states accountable for such a record of abuse. A recent CBC news item drew attention to an investigation by the Toronto police and Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board, of teacher Nadia Shoufani for her comments at a rally for Palestine rally in early July. According to the news source the investigation was launched after B’nai Brith and the Simon Wiesenthal Centre complained about Shoufani, stating that it was “inappropriate for a teacher to be espousing such views when she is responsible for educating children.” Organizations which attempt to censor free speech must be reminded that under the Canadian Charter and UN Declaration of Human Rights freedom of thought, belief, and expression are fundamental rights essential to a democratic society. Therefore institutions such as school boards and police forces have a responsibility to uphold these laws and resist pressure from groups like B’nai Brith and the Wiesenthal Centre. Historically, these associations, rather than encourage a full and open debate on Israel’s occupation of Palestine, have made significant efforts to suppress an open discussion. Because Shoufani advocated for justice and human rights i

I support Nadia, as a Canadian dedicated to freedom and democratic rights in an open society, seeking justice and peace for all.

Free speech is our right in Canada! Everything Nadia Shoufani said is true under international law! Why suspend her?! To please Israel?! Why?

YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF EFFORTS TO SILENCE THE GROWING SUPPORT FOR THE PLIGHT OF THE PALESTINIANS

Hang in there Nadia, Canadians are behind you and your rights cannot be denied.

In Solidarity

I am a teacher. We should be teaching students about our right to peaceful protest.

Criticizing aparthaid Israel is not supporting terrorism.Free speech is our right.Re enstate Ms. Shoufani as a teacher now!

I'm a community activist, not a teacher, and I am in support of Nadia Shoufani and support this petition calling on Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board to reinstate Nadia Shoufani

Solidarity from Greece

Appalling.

We live in a Democratic, civilized Society! It's our duty to speak up for the Human Rights when these are abused! This Teacher is a compassionate person who did just that! And now she is being punished for what?? Too much empathy?