Honorary degrees are generally conferred upon individuals who have made significant achievements and contributions to society or field of work. The Atlantic School of Theology in Nova Scotia decided instead to confer honorary degrees at its convocation on May 10 upon two individuals who are known for their work with Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), a virulently anti-Israel group.
Independent Jewish Voices boasts:
IJV was the first national Jewish organization to endorse the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. We continue to support and defend BDS as well as to hold Canadian organizations accountable when complicit in Israeli oppression of Palestinians.
Judy and Larry Haiven were among the founders of the group. They work (as usual for the woke) under the umbrella of “anti-racism,” “social justice” and “human rights.”
Larry Haiven has also re-posted on X:
BDS victory! Dalhousie Faculty Association has voted to demand that the university boycott, divest and suspend ties with Israeli institutions “until Israel ends its policies of military occupation and apartheid.” The 8th Cdn faculty union to endorse BDS this year! @BDSmovement pic.twitter.com/aItdmToJsj
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) May 17, 2024
The Atlantic School of Theology states as its mission that it “serves Christ’s mission by shaping effective and faithful ordained and lay leaders and understanding among communities of faith.” Its name refers to Atlantic Canada, that is, the four Atlantic provinces of Eastern Canada: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Beware of “compassionate” and “pious” religious institutions that convey a hard-left political message. There is a prevailing belief that Christian Churches and institutions must steer away from politics, but that is actually an attempt to silence those that are not on the left. Far too many Churches and other Christian institutions have no trouble promoting leftist politics and woke doctrine, as we saw with Pope Francis. Most of the others who may not agree do not want to be “controversial” out of sheer cowardice.
“Haivens recognized for our pro-Palestine work through Independent Jewish Voices Canada,” Judy Haiven Blog, April 23, 2025 (thanks to Marc):
During Convocation ceremonies on May 10, 2025, Atlantic School of Theology (AST) will award a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, to Dr. Judy Haiven and to Dr. Larry Haiven. Both are being recognized for their work through Independent Jewish Voices, a grassroots organization they helped to found and one that opposes all forms of racism and advocates for justice and peace for all in Israel-Palestine. As Jews, they have been active in the education of non-Jews including Christians on Palestine-Israel issues for several decades. They have given presentations to members of churches in Halifax as well as public presentations. They were also advisors in the preparation of the Palestinian Land Exercise, an educational instrument which began under the auspices of Kairos Halifax. They have distinguished themselves in their ecumenical work and are recognized nationally and internationally as well as locally for their lifelong commitment to human rights. The Haivens are the proud parents of two sons, Max and Omri, who in their father’s words, are both social justice warriors….
࿗Infidel࿘ says
I guess the era when Jews in the diaspora would be either ambassadors of Israel, or voices for Israel in those foreign countries, is over. On the plus side – yes there is one – no one can accuse them ever again of having dual loyalties
Israel should learn from this, and stop involving foreign Jewish groups, be it IJV, ADL, J-Street, et al in their foreign policy dealings w/ those countries – US, Canada, et al. In fact, just disown those groups completely!
Patrick says
I’m so sick of Jews being anti-Jew, it defies logic and common sense. America has a plethora of anti-Jewish organizations, they give Jews a bad name. Anti-Jews, Jews are the worst!!!
James Lincoln says
Patrick,
Unbelievably…
Many “non-Jews” are more “pro-Jew” than many Jews.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
Yeah, I argue w/ Rarely, and I am more pro-Israel than he is
jerry glenn says
Canada surges in the international Islamopandering derby.