Guest
Rabbi David Mivasair is a prominent American Canadian figure known for his strong involvement in social justice, religious leadership, and political activism. As an ordained Reconstructionist rabbi, he has led the Ahavat Olam progressive synagogue in Vancouver and provided chaplaincy services, highlighting his dedication to progressive Jewish teachings and compassionate spiritual guidance. Mivasair, who is a fifth-generation American Jew, has been residing in Vancouver, British Colombia for 23 years and in Hamilton, Ontario, for over 5 years, reflecting a rich blend of cultural and religious experiences in his life and work. He lived in Israel-Palestine for four years and have returned twice more recently with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence to act in direct physical solidarity with Palestinians in the South Hebron Hill (Masafer Yatta) struggling to maintain their own existence. Politically active, Rabbi Mivasair is a long-time member of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and an active member of Independent Jewish Voices Canada. He is particularly vocal about Palestinian rights and critical of Israeli policies, often expressing his views through demonstrations and public statements. His endorsement of movements like the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel signifies his commitment to advocating for justice in Israel-Palestine. His stance, which includes views that challenge the existence of Israel as a Jewish state, resonates with a mission to amplify the voices of Canadian Jews who support justice both in Israel-Palestine and at home. Rabbi Mivasair's life and actions are a testament to his deep involvement in both the Jewish community and broader social and political issues, particularly those relating to Middle-Eastern politics. ************************************************************ 00:00:00 Prelude with David Mivasair 00:02:00 Why and when did you stop supporting Israel? 00:03:55 What was the trigger? 00:06:05 Jewish ideals of peace and justice for the world 00:08:10 Going to Israel for the first time. 00:10:46 Did you feel a sense of belonging to the Jewish people or the land? 00:14:26 How did you feel when you saw other non-Jews living there? How can you fix this dilemma? 00:19:17 The Bible is not a historical record of reality. 00:20:27 Conflicts with Book of Judges vs Book of Joshua 00:22:56 The early Zionist movement and the Book of Joshua 00:25:15 The motivation to become a nation of light for other nations/a model for the world 00:25:51 Were you aware of the killings of the Palestinians? 00:29:36 The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine (book) 00:34:29 State of Terror (book) 00:36:00 What do they teach people in Israel? How do they market Zionism? 00:38:35 The Invention of the Jewish People (book) 00:43:32 Canada and other countries have a definition of antisemitism pushed by Zionists. 00:45:36 The idea of national self determination 00:46:28 Did national self determination ever have a meaning? 00:47:28 Getting back to the trigger and a defining incident. 00:52:29 Do you feel regret? 00:54:45 We are God’s partners in bringing the world to completion. 00:55:13 What makes Jews the chosen people? 00:57:15 Do your job but you’re not responsible to know the results. 00:59:51 The friend living in Gaza (messages) 01:03:46 Connecting on Facebook 01:04:38 Palestinians are like my cousins. 01:06:21 Trying to change the big picture. 01:08:30 Message to the Jews 01:10:34 Do Jews hate Muslims? 01:11:40 Religiously Judaism is closer to Islam. 01:11:56 What do you think of Christian Zionists? 01:17:42 How can we stop them? 01:21:21 How can we achieve peace? One state or two state solution? 01:24:24 The fears of the Jews in Israel 01:28:37 Three possible solutions 01:29:50 Independent Jewish Voices (Canada) 01:30:36 Advice to the Arabic people and the world 01:32:56 Do you think it is different this time? 01:33:47 Support from the USA to Israel 01:36:39 Story of Queen Esther 01:39:50 You have to play the long game. ************************************************************ GoFundMe for families in Gaza: ************************************************************ Follow Rabbi David Mivsair on Social Media: Twitter: Instagram: ************************************************************ Follow and contact Mazen Canada: Twitter: Instagram:
