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“From War to Peace” Through their art, ArtLords endeavours to create a vision of a peaceful future for Afghanistan. They use art as a tool for change and transformation. Aga Khan Museum 2023 April

'I cannot do everything. But I refuse to do nothing.' This quote I heard from a sister last year in Loyola House keeps coming up in my mind these three weeks.

Pray...pray...action...pray...action...pray...

 I learned from my Friend Lyn  to write a letter to MP, Member of Parliament.

I search who is  my MP

Here is my email to my MP

To: 

cc   Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:  justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca

 and Minister Joly   Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly: melanie.joly@parl.gc.ca

Subject: Ceasefire now, end the siege, for a just and lasting peace

Dear (MP name), 

I am writing you because I am very concerned about the escalation in attacks against innocent civilians and I urge you to call for a ceasefire now. 

People in Canada are watching in horror as the violence in Israel-Palestine has escalated towards an all-out war.

The bombing of the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City killed hundreds of people, most of them children. Over 5,000 people had been sheltering inside. This is an atrocity.

Since October 7, thousands have been killed following Hamas’ attack and the Israeli government’s response.

I unequivocally condemn the targeting of innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilians.

I am calling on the Government of Canada to take these steps: 

• Call for an immediate ceasefire of all hostilities in Israel-Palestine
• Call for an end to the blockade of Gaza and for the restoration of humanitarian aid and access to the basic necessities of life

I endorse the Canadian government’s call for humanitarian aid to Gaza and the safe return of hostages. These demands cannot be meaningfully addressed without an immediate ceasefire and while Israel's blockade of Gaza continues.

Gaza is facing a “complete siege” as food, water, electricity, and fuel have been cut off. Gaza’s last functioning seawater desalination plant shut down on Sunday after running out of fuel. Water and sanitation services have collapsed in the wake of widespread bombing.

UN shelters have also run out of water and hospital workers are warning that thousands more civilians could die if access to water, fuel, and medicine is not restored.

The already dire humanitarian crisis is rapidly deteriorating.

The Israeli government’s order to a million Gazans to evacuate to the south–an impossible feat in 24 hours–suggests that a ground war and intensifying bombing are imminent.

Our most urgent task is preventing the further loss of life and an even greater humanitarian disaster than what we have already witnessed in Gaza. An all-out war would bring catastrophe to the entire region.

As hostilities escalate, they are fuelling a rise of Anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism in Canada–which we also unequivocally condemn.

Beyond these immediate steps, the world must support efforts for a just and lasting peace in Israel-Palestine and address the root cause of the violence: Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestinian territory.

Palestinians, Israelis, and all people in the region deserve to live in peace and security and with justice for all.

 

Best regards,

Yuen Chun CHAN

(my postal code)