TORONTO — Peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians is the only real option in the Middle East, Liberal MP Bob Rae told a small gathering last week.

From left, Michael Dan, president of the Canadian Friends of Haifa University; university president Aaron Ben-Ze’ev; honoree Bob Rae, and fundraising co-chairs Shawky Fahel and Gerry Sheff. [Ron Csillag photo]

The informal event at the Windsor Arms Hotel served as the campaign launch for a tribute dinner slated for Nov. 7, at which Rae will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Haifa.

Proceeds from the dinner will go toward establishing the Bob Rae MBA Scholarships for Jewish and Arab Students, part of the university’s Partners for Peace Scholarship Fund.

Rae’s namesake scholarships will be offered at the university’s graduate school of management, with the aim of attracting an equal number of Arab and Jewish students.

Joining Ontario’s former NDP premier at the kick-off were fellow Liberal MPs Irwin Cotler, Joe Volpe and Carolyn Bennett; Thornhill federal Liberal candidate Karen Mock, and former Conservative cabinet minister Gerry Weiner.

Greetings were brought by university president Aaron Ben-Ze’ev, who spoke of the institution’s reputation for promoting diversity and tolerance in Israel.

Several Arab-Canadian supporters of the University of Haifa also attended.

Rae said he visited a legal clinic dedicated to minority rights several years ago at the university.

“Coexistence in the Middle East is the only way to go,” Rae stated. “Many people will think of other solutions, but all the other solutions are completely unworkable. The only ultimate reality is going to be one in which we recognize the rights of Palestinians as well as the rights of Israelis.”

Michael Dan, president of the Canadian Friends of Haifa University, noted that 20 per cent of the school’s 18,000 students are Arab, a ratio that mirrors Israel’s overall demographic.