NAJC Open Letter on Israel-Palestine

National Association of Japanese Canadians

November 17, 2023

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Via Email

Dear Prime Minister and Ministers:

Open Letter from the Japanese Canadian Community: Urgent Call for an End to the Deadly Israel-Palestine Conflict

The Japanese Canadian community calls on the Government of Canada to press for:

  • An immediate ceasefire to the fighting in Gaza;
  • The release of all hostages;
  • Increased access to Gaza for humanitarian aid and humanitarian corridors; and
  • Increased action against hate-crimes inflicted upon Arab, Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian communities in Canada.

The National Association of Japanese Canadians expresses its profound horror and shock at the level of brutality, loss of human life and the humanitarian crisis now occurring in Israel and Palestine. Although Palestinian people have endured decades of deprivation and human rights violations, the cruel atrocities and inhumanities carried out by Hamas on October 7 must be condemned. Retaliatory military actions by the Israeli government have however, resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians including children, helping to perpetuate the never-ending cycle of violence and hate. It is with heavy hearts and an urgent sense of responsibility that we reach out to call for an end to the deadly violence and destruction.

Japanese Canadians also stand against the evil of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. We know all too well that wars waged in other parts of the world can result in those who are innocent being vilified and targeted here at home. We implore all to reject hate, never to inflict suffering upon people because of who they are, to uphold human dignity and rights and to stand in resolute solidarity today and tomorrow with Arab, Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian people.

We would like to remind all parties involved of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states in its preamble that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.” Article 3 of the declaration reaffirms that “everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.” We implore all parties to prioritize the lives and well-being of their fellow human beings. The world is watching, and the time for lasting peace is now.

Yours sincerely,

Les Kojima
President

BC REDRESS – News from the JC Survivors Health & Wellness Fund

Seated – Mary Kimoto; standing – Ellen Kimoto Crowe-Swords and Project Manager Eiko Eby.

NEWS FROM THE JC SURVIVORS
HEALTH & WELLNESS FUND

OUTREACH
Our team has been contacting many survivors, small groups, and community organizations, across the country to get a sense of the needs of our seniors’ populations.  We have learned that there are a number of active survivors involved in wellness activities run by sub-groups of community organizations.  We have also learned there are a large number of frail survivors trying to live safely who are supported  by family and friends for the activities of daily living. Some of these seniors have no supports. This group is largely underserved and there is a need for more community supports and health care services for these frail seniors.

CRITERIA
Nikkei Seniors is pleased to announce the release of the Grant Information, with criteria, for the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health & Wellness Fund (JCSHWF). jcwellness.org

There are three categories of eligibility: Organizations, Small Groups, and Underserved Individuals. Organizations may apply for up to two grants. Small groups and the underserved may apply for one grant only.

The maximum awards are up to $10,000 per application for organizations, $3000 for small groups, and $750 for underserved individuals.

Check out jcwellness.org for updated information.

INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR THE JC SURVIVORS HEALTH & WELLNESS FUND

Four (4) General Zoom sessions are scheduled to explain and repeat the Grant Information and answer questions. More meetings will be added as necessary.

The scheduled JCSHWF – General Grant Information Sessions are on Zoom. You must register in advance for the meetings and the registration links are listed below.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

GRANT INFO MEETING

Monday, July 5 10am PST

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qd-qppjsrH9X81RP_3GKMrhxwGrwHzhtu

GRANT INFO MEETING

Monday, July 5 5:30pm PST

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwscOuoqzkiE9ChbKqLKUlzPZrYNakY-14V 

GRANT INFO MEETING

Sunday, July 11 3pm PST

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pd-mqrj4tHty4ho3sMVA5-WbfFOr9FaVQ 

GRANT INFO MEETING

Saturday, July 17 10am PST

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMldOqhpj0jEty4_nglIMM3lzmVGJ9T7GQV

Outreach will continue throughout this period. Please share this information with your loved ones.

For additional Grant Information, visit our website at jcwellness.org

Continue reading BC REDRESS – News from the JC Survivors Health & Wellness Fund