The National Post recently published a column by Terry Newman that referred to an event organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement Montreal as “pro-terror.” The event was intended to share the experiences of former Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons. As Ali Salman explains, PYM aimed to shed light on stories that are often hidden from public view.
This framing is nothing new to organizers and activists who are familiar with the narratives that have long been used against Palestinians. What is new, however, is what the article reveals about a Montreal lawyer named Neil Oberman, who wrote to two federal ministers as well as the community centre where the event was held. Oberman’s letter includes many of the usual accusations against PYM, such as calling it “pro-terror” and “hate-promoting.” The most striking passage is where he asks that Minister Lena Diab “ensure that any foreign nationals scheduled to speak at or participate in this event, in particular any individuals described as ‘released political prisoners,’ are denied entry to Canada or refused the issuance of any visa or travel authorization.”
This reflects a broader tactic that has emerged in efforts against supporters of the Palestinian movement: the politicized use of the Canadian border. Similar cases have involved the Irish band Kneecap, French parliamentarian Rima Hassan, and representatives from the Palestinian Football Association. In this instance, the same approach was attempted against speakers at a Montreal event, even though they appeared by video rather than in person.
Local 514 speaks with Ali Salman to get the full context of the event and to hear his perspective on these efforts to use border controls as a tool against Palestinians and their allies.
