On November 18, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute hosted a compelling discussion on Israel’s conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, exploring the broader implications for Canada and global stability.
The event featured renowned international law and human rights expert Arsen Ostrovsky, a leading attorney and CEO of the International Legal Forum. He was introduced by MLI Managing Director and founder Brian Lee Crowley, who underscored the growing concern over rising antisemitism in Canada.
The discussion, moderated by MLI Senior Fellow Casey Babb, provided historical context for the conflict and examined the roles of international bodies like the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, as well as the devastating human costs of terrorism. Ostrovsky addressed common misconceptions about genocide accusations and highlighted the need to counter the politicization of international law with more precise and informed perspectives.
Ostrovsky delivered a comprehensive analysis of the multi-front war Israel faces—spanning physical, legal, and narrative battlegrounds. He emphasized the critical importance of the legal front, which he noted often has a more lasting impact than physical conflicts.
During a dynamic Q&A session, attendees explored key topics such as the impact of antisemitism, the viability of a two-state solution, and the roles of the US and NATO in the region. Ostrovsky called for coordinated efforts to combat the delegitimization of Israel and promote a fairer narrative about the conflict.
This event underscores the Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s commitment to driving the national conversation on pressing issues affecting Canada, including antisemitism, extremism, and the complexities of the Middle East.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Arsen Ostrovsky and everyone who joined us for this thought-provoking discussion!
To view a full photo gallery from the conference please click here.
