Rae Denies Rumour

OTTAWA — Liberal MP Bob Rae last week denied rumours he was about to be named Canada’s next ambassador to Israel. Calling the rumours “completely false,” the outspoken supporter of Israel told the National Post he’ll run again in Toronto Centre in the next election. Canada has already appointed Paul Hunt as the successor to outgoing ambassador to Israel Jon Allen.

Store Forced To Close

LONDON — An Ahava store in London was forced to close again after pro-Palestinian activists blocked the entrance. Two activists reportedly chained themselves Nov. 22 to a cement-filled barrel and had to be removed by police, the Jerusalem Post reported. Ahava produces lotions and bath crystals using Dead Sea minerals on West Bank land claimed by the Palestinians. It has been the target of boycotts and protests worldwide. Similar protests forced the same London store to close twice in 2009.