Approximately 200 individuals gathered outside the Munk Debates venue in Toronto on Wednesday to protest a panel of exclusively Israeli speakers discussing the viability of a two-state solution for Israel.
The demonstrators displayed signs and Palestinian flags while voicing their disapproval before law enforcement dispersed the gathering. Protester Trevor Miller condemned the event as “unacceptable.”
Expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine, Miller stated, “We are here to advocate for those affected by imperialism.”
The Munk Debates’ theme for the day was “Be it Resolved, it is in Israel’s national interest to support a two-state solution.” Former Israeli officials Ehud Olmert and Tzipi Livni supported this notion, while Michael Oren and Ayelet Shaked opposed it.
Notably, no Palestinian representatives participated in the debate.
Organizer Rudyard Griffiths justified the all-Israeli panel during an interview, emphasizing the panelists’ extensive expertise and perspectives on the topic.
Griffiths highlighted that the discussion was part of a broader ongoing dialogue, acknowledging the divisive nature of the Palestinian statehood debate within Israeli society.
He also mentioned that while most United Nations members recognize Palestine as a state, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains opposed to a two-state solution.
Regarding future debates with Palestinian representation, Griffiths expressed openness to such initiatives, noting that the Munk Debates are privately organized.
Henry Off of Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights criticized the event, urging authorities to investigate former Israeli officials Ehud Olmert and Tzipi Livni for their alleged roles in Gaza conflict-related war crimes.
Off emphasized Canada’s responsibility to uphold international law by scrutinizing individuals suspected of grave breaches under the Fourth Geneva Convention.
