The Canadian Jewish community and Canada’s relationship with Israel were discussed by Gilles Duceppe, federal leader of the Bloc Quebecois, in a November 20th lecture etitled “Shared History, Shared Future.â€? The event was organized by the Quebec-Israel Committee and the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee. Duceppe spoke in French, but, like at the Elie Wiesel event in Montreal, simultaneous English translation was available.
Duceppe occasionally broke into English, such as in a witty line describing himself as “just a bloke who went Bloq.� The Montreal CJPAC fellows were all present, and were invited to a VIP reception afterward.
Duceppe spoke against a backdrop of Israel, Canadian and Quebec flags, and mentioned the numerous Jewish Montrealers who have contributed to Quebec society, such as Leonard Cohen and Mordechai Richler. Duceppe emphasized his view that he recognizes Israel has a right to exist, but hopes for a peaceful coexistence with the Palestinians.
Duceppe concluded with an outline of his party’s view that Quebec should separate from Canada and be a separate nation. Following the presentation, 3 questions were asked of Duceppe, one requesting him to differentiate the Bloq’s economic policy from its similar provincial counterpart, the Parti Quebecois. Even though this question was not about the theme of the event, Duceppe gracefully responded. At the end of the event, Duceppe was presented with a kiddush cup as a gift from the organizers of the evening.