On September 3rd, Labour for Palestine, a network of rank and file activists involved in promoting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israeli Apartheid across Canadian unions marched in the annual Labour Day parade.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Palestinian artist Naji El-Ali (creator of the character Handala) organizers build an 8ft Handala and marched through the streets of Toronto chanting âFreedom for Palestine, Justice for Palestineâ. Five thousand post cards explaining the BDS campaign and urging trade unionists to get involved in the struggle against Israeli Apartheid, as they did in the struggle against South African Apartheid, were distributed.
There was very good reception for the contingent, many workers from other contingents came over to support and to march with Labour for Palestine under the large banner âStand Up for Palestinian Workers.
Representatives from Palestine House Cultural and Community Center also attended the march, and gave valuable assistance in the construction of the Palestine float.
In March 2006, Labour for Palestine launched a 106-page reader exploring themes such as the history of the Palestinian struggle, Zionism and the Israeli labour movement, Canadian ties to Israeli apartheid, the global campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions, and commentary around the CUPE Ontario resolution in support of BDS.