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2025: a Year in Review
Today, we're going to do something a bit different, and look back on 2025 — the biggest news, the conversations that captivated us, and where JSpaceCanada made a difference. By next week, our weekly communications are going to look a bit different. You'll hear from us more, and across a variety of platforms so that you can access exactly what's most important to you, in the way that is most convenient. But for this week, let's take one last look at the year that was:
Ceasefire, Sovereignty, and the Cost of Political Paralysis
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza remains in place, but it is stuck between the transition from phase one to phase two. Among the issues contributing to the stalemate are disagreements over what, when, and how Hamas hands over its weapons; which factions are involved; construction east of the so-called Yellow Line; and the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) meant to be stationed in Gaza.
The Coalition Netanyahu Fears Most
As Israel’s cabinet passed the 2026 budget last week, it became increasingly clear that this government may well survive its entire four-year term, leading the country to elections in October 2026. What once looked impossible now seems entirely plausible.
Between Danger and Opportunity
This week, the UN Security Council approved the resolution submitted by the United States on Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
Impunity is Destroying Israel From Within
There has been renewed and intensified attention on the occupied West Bank this week, as settler terrorism against Palestinians continues unabated. Some claim that this violence has surged post-ceasefire, but in truth, it has been escalating for years, long before October 7.
The Future of Israel Depends on the Allies It Chooses
As the shaky ceasefire holds for now, the fallout from the past two years is beginning to emerge. To believe that we can return to a pre-October 7 reality, whether in managing the conflict or keeping the Israeli–Palestinian issue on the back burner, is a dangerous delusion.
How to Use Power to Build, Not Divide.
We tragically close these Days of Awe with the horrific news of the terror attack in Manchester, England, which claimed two lives and left others injured and in hospital.
Recognition, Isolation, and the Cost of Denial
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) will wrap up at the end of this weekend, and there is much to take away from this year’s session. The headlines, of course, were dominated by the member states that recognized Palestinian statehood, bringing the total that recognize Palestine to 157, or 81% of UN member states, including four of the five permanent UN Security Council members.
Without Trust, Democracy Begins to Crumble
This week has been a shocking and sobering illustration of the erosion of democracy, international law, and international norms. At the beginning of the week, a horrific terror attack in Jerusalem claimed six lives, leaving many more wounded.