Dan Abrahams’ Post

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Lawyer and regulator; views are solely my own unless otherwise specified

I applaud the reasoned and persuasive arguments made the other day by lawyers for the University of Toronto in Superior Court. I also respect the counterarguments advanced by lawyers for the encampment protesters. Many of the arguments, on both sides, centered on the need for the university and the courts to guarantee Charter-based rights, including freedom of association and freedom of expression. Free speech might be a flexible concept for some of the people on the anti-Israel side, however. A while ago I learned of an anonymous complaint, demanding I be fired from my job for my "justification of the murder and rape of at least 40000 Palestinians." My LinkedIn posts about the Middle East and about being Jewish obviously have nothing to do with my job. I do strive to maintain a professional tone. This is still LinkedIn, after all. More importantly, I have never said or even implied anything so callous. I do not "justify" human suffering in any context. I wholeheartedly support Israel's right to defend itself from terrorism. But, like other Jews in the Diaspora, I am not in charge of the war. I only wish the cynical, Zionist-hating members of Hamas, egged on by the antisemites in Iran and elsewhere, had not started it in the first place. I trust they will be deterred from starting another one. I also want Israelis, including a sizeable portion of my own family, to be safe. I want Jews to be safe, wherever we live, and to have a refuge for when we are not safe. Most of all, I want the hostages taken by Hamas to be freed. Today, please. I do have reservations about the current right wing Israeli government. It is not the government I would choose. It is however the government that Israel's democratic system has produced. Once the war is over I plan to intensify my support for a two-state solution. I believe that is both desirable and historically inevitable. It is certainly better than an endless war. That is who I am and what I stand for. It is a shame that the person who wishes to silence me prefers to hide behind a mask of anonymity, while spreading falsehoods.

Harry LaForme

Opinions Are Mine Alone Harry S. LaForme OC, IPC (Anishinabe)

3mo

Thanks for this Dan, I think it’s very insightful. I’m sorry about the anonymous complaint. I think it’s an attempt to silence disagreement, if not factual correctness, maybe just ignorance. Whatever, I don’t think it succeeds. Unfortunately a lot of these. “protesters” choose to hide their identity, not absolutely sure why since they claim it is for “just” reasons. In fact, I find it difficult to understand their basic reason. Too many chants and not always for something I understand. I do, however know how this started on October 7. 2023, and the horrific misery Hamas caused to Israel and the world. I also know that many hostages were taken by Hamas on that day with many of them still held captive. Lastly, I know that if those hostages were returned, rather than imbedded in Palistine, the war would end that moment. I’m with you on the two state solution, provided there is no Hamas. Thanks for the post, I feared you had been silenced.

Janice LaForme

Moving Forward from the Practice of Law

3mo

Hello Dan. I hope the anonymous complaint went no where. Increasingly I am hearing that complaints are being made to professional regulatory bodies, to the employers and workplace of people to silence people for even conduct so innocuous as clicking on “ like” on LinkedIn . Most people realize that freedom of expression / speech has limits. But there are those who make frivolous specious complaints for the sole purpose to silence those with different views. Sadly this undemocratic tactic may be chilling respectful dialogue and discourse. I look forward to your thoughtful posts and comments. Do not let your voice be silenced by vexatious complaints. Last time I checked Canada is still a democracy, with human and civil rights and committed to the Rule of Law.

Betsy Kane, C.S.

Canadian immigration lawyer. Called 1991. Law Society Ontario - Certified Specialist, C.S.

3mo

The anti-Israel crowd are looking to make life for Jews difficult. I’m not surprised. I believe we should also speak out to employers such as public institutions that employ those who publicly support and justify violence against Israel and vilify Jews in the diaspora.

Elizabeth Horlock

Director People and Culture at College of Nurses of Ontario

3mo

Dan - Your introductory profile makes clear that you separate your views from those of your employer. I’m consistently impressed with your passionate yet fair-minded reasoning despite a highly charged topic. I appreciate your courage. It’s unfortunate that any person would resort to cowardly acts in an attempt to silence you. Please continue to post your thoughts - they are enlightening and both need and deserve to be heard.

Alan W.

Owner-Managed Businesses l Estate and Retirement Planning Facilitator and Quarterback I Consultant at Crowe Soberman LLP

3mo

Thank you for courage, morality and reasonableness, something that does not exist on the other side. That person hides behind a mask because that person knows what they are doing is wrong and is a coward.

Ronald Stockton

Lawyer at Stockton Maxwell & Elliott

3mo

You equate anti-Zionism with anti-semitism. That is so very fundamentally wrong and it fosters anti-semitism. The war did not start on October 7, 2023. The Palestinian people have been subjected to humiliation, dehumanization, torture, murder, having land and homes stolen by Israelis. At law they have a right to exist. Zionists and the Israeli government have made it clear they will never allow a free state of Palestine.

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John Stout

Owner, Stout Dispute Resolution

3mo

Well said Dan. You were always very well spoken and your voice needs to be heard. We share a desire for peace and perhaps more people need to focus more on solutions and less on blame and silencing those who hold diffent opinions.

Anita Jacobson

Practice Resource Liaison at College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

3mo

Pls continue to speak your truth. Anonymous nay-sayers do not matter as they know they support lies and are callow cowards.

Vallance Patrick

Arbitration Specialist

3mo

A very thoughtful -and brave- statement. I rather suspect you will be subject to further abuse for having expressed yourself and your support for Israel. And 'yes', the sooner the two-state solution comes to be, the world will be able to breath just a little easier.

So well said. I completely agree with you. And so sorry about the complaint which for sure is mishigas.

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