Chapters-Indigo Boycott Continues in Ottawa

The mood was enthusiastic as representatives of a broad coalition of local activists gathered in front of Chapters Bookstore on Rideau Street in Ottawa on Saturday, October 20.


Over a two-hour period approximately 20 people showed up to talk to shoppers and distribute flyers produced by both the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid - CAIA and the Jewish group Not in our Name - NION

Neither group has any objection to these flyers being downloaded and used for actions against Chapters/Indigo in other municipalities. In fact, a group of Algoma students on a visit to Ottawa, who just happened to wander by when we were there, overjoyed us with their eagerness to take samples home with them to copy and distribute.

Front and back entrances of the store were covered ...



... and book lovers both coming and going were politely offered (and most accepted) information about the Hesig Foundation that's been set up by Chapters/Indigo owner Heather Reisman and her husband Gerry Schwartz to provide perks to mercenaries who travel from various countries to Israel to augment IDF activities in the occupied territories.


Traffic was generally heavy, so a lot of literature was handed out. The photos don't reflect that because Yours Truly was busy leafleting and talking to people too, and had to wait for lulls in the crowds to be able to take time out to get pictures.

WHY DO WE ASK THE INDIGO CEO TO SUPPORT PEACE, NOT WAR? says the NION flyer. The answer, although quite detailed in the pamphlets, is simple in essence: sending mercenaries to Israel to help exert control over Palestinians is not a quest for peace. This was a very easy concept for the public to grasp.

There are also a number of informative books on the consequences of the 40-year illegal occupation that have been omitted from the shelves of the Chapters store. Please read the pamphlets to learn more.

The plan is to return to the same location on November 3rd and 17th. If you're in Ottawa at that time, please join us. The movement is growing stronger, and there may even be a banner or two next time.