More billboard action suggested
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 12 May 2015 12:00
- Written by editor
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We think that it is time to get the CAIA billboard in the Times Colonist. Here is a suggestion. Lets send a picture of our Billboard sign with a letter saying that we erected it on Sunday May 5, and that shortly thereafter the owner of the Billboard who rented it to CAIA received a letter from a local MLA, who represents another constituency from the one where the Billboard stands, claiming on the basis of a complaint from a constituent that it incited hate against a people.Then say, as anyone can see who views the Billboard, the message is a criticism of the policies of Israel of Occupation and Apartheid practiced by Israel and not of a people. Then go on to point out that the MLA failed to read the Billboard or note that CAIA's address is on it, resulting in his misdirection of his letter. The attack on Free Speech and the attempt to bully the Billboard owner is an example of the cowardly ways some supporters of Israel try to silence criticism of it policies and actions.
Draft Letter.
Free Speech under Attack
The CAIA Billboard sign, which we erected it on Sunday May 5 on the Pat Bay Highway just after the Super 8 Motel, has come under attack by a MLA from another constituency, He sent a letter to the owner of the Billboard, who rented it to us, demanding that it come down as he claimed that it promoted hatred against a people. As anyone can see our Billboard asks that Israel end its policies of Apartheid and Occupation of Palestine. There is no doubt that what Israel is doing in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza constitute Apartheid.
CAIA sent him the legal definition of Apartheid and noted the Israeli policies and actions which constitute Apartheid. The MLA never acknowledged the content of that email, and continues now to claim that our Billboard promotes hatred of a people. Our Billboard asks only that Israel end its policies. It also provided our address. It turned out the MLA had never looked at our Billboard and sent the letter to the owner rather than us from ignorance he claims.
The CAIA Billboard asked that people seek changes in Israeli policies and action by using Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions, Boycott of Israeli products and companies that provide the means for execution of Apartheid and Occupation as well as of Israeli academic institution which collaborate in Apartheid, Divestment from those companies which support and benefit form Israel’s policies such as companies that provide bulldozers to destroy Palestinian homes, and Sanctions against those companies and personages who contribute to the execution of Apartheid.
It is clear that the attempt by a MLA to force removal of our Billboard is an attack on Free Speech. Surprisingly, the MLA in question is not a member of the Conservative, Liberal or New Democratic parties, all of whom oppose the use of BDS. Sadly, the attack on Free Speech and the attempt to bully the Billboard owner is an example of the cowardly ways some supporters of Israel try to silence criticism of it policies and actions. It will not silence us or our supporters.
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CAIA Active Members Committee