Category Archives: CKMS Community News

News from the Waterloo Region community.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-10-04- Kitchener’s Community Canopy tree planting program celebrating 1st year

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CKMS News -2024-10-04- Kitchener’s Community Canopy tree planting program celebrates 1st year

dan kellar
Kitchener – The Community Canopy tree planting program will see over 100 new trees planted in the Chandler-Mowat neighbourhood this year. Some of the trees have been planted already with more going into the ground over the fall.  The initiative is a partnership between the City of Kitchener and Reep Green Solutions, and builds on efforts to have 30% of the city covered with tree canopy by 2050

This program targets “deserving neighbourhoods” based on metrics which measure socio-economic factors as well as the current tree canopy cover.  

On Thursday October 10th, from 3-5pm, a community event will take place at Laurentian Park to celebrate the accomplishments of the pilot program, and to announce the transformation of the Community Canopy program into an annual initiative. 

This show features interviews with Hajnal Kovacs, the forestry project manager for the city of Kitchener, and Taylor Ross the community engagement coordinator for Reep Green Solutions.  

 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-09-30- A province-wide doubling of hospital patients exposed to hallway medicine since 2018.

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CKMS News -2024-09-30-A doubling of patients exposed to hallway medicine since 2018

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – A recent exposé by The Trillium newsroom has revealed that the practice of hallway medicine in Ontario’s hospitals has on average, doubled from 2018 when Doug Ford’s conservatives were elected to government. Hallway medicine or hallway healthcare, is the practice of patient beds being placed in “unconventional spaces” or areas that are not designed for the purpose, such as hallways, closests, or staff rooms. 

The data, which was obtained through the freedom of information process, reveals that Waterloo Region’s two hospitals mirror the provincial data while Guelph’s hospital experienced a 6-fold increase in hallway medicine. 

This show features interviews with RN Erin Ariss, the President of the Ontario Nurses Association, and Jim Stewart of the Waterloo Region Health Coalition, a non-partisan advocacy group. Both Erin Ariss and Jim Stewart live in Waterloo Region.  

CKMS News received a statement from the office of the minister of Health Sylvia Jones, some of which is included.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2024-09-19- Protest planned for “Hands off our kids” demonstration.

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CKMS News -2024-09-19- Protest planned for “Hands off our kids” demonstration.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – On September 20th, the 2nd annual #1MiillionMarchForChildren will be at Kitchener city hall for a planned day-long rally. Uniting under the banner Hands Off Our Kids, the rally organizers say they are concerned about parental rights and how sexual orientation and gender identity are being taught in public schools.

Also planning to be at city hall is the group Queer Youth Defense, who have organised a 2nd annual counter demonstration to “drown out hate with a little bit of light”.

This show features an interview with Acer Bonaparte of Queer Youth Defense along with statements CKMS News received from trustee Cindy Watson of the Waterloo Region District School Board, from jeewan chanicka, the Director of Education at the WRDSB, and from Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. CKMS News tried to contact local organizers from Hands off Our Kids, but did not receive a response, however, material from the group’s website is referenced. 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-09-19- Documentary screening “one in a stream” of local Palestinian solidarity events.

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CKMS News – 2024-09-19- Documentary screening “one in a stream” of local Palestinian solidarity events.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – In the evening on September 19th, the Waterloo Region Friends of Palestine are hosting a screening of the documentary film Where Olive Trees Weep, which is described as offering “a window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.”

The film’s website continues   “We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We also witness Dr. Gabor Maté offer trauma-healing work to a group of women who were tortured in Israeli prisons”. 

Before the screening, CKMS News spoke with Robert Massoud of Waterloo Region Friends for Palestine. Massoud spoke about the new documentary, the ongoing Palestinian solidarity actions from several local organizations, how injustice in Palestine is decades old, and how Canada is still “active and complicit in arming Israel” after a year of “genocidal” violence.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News – 2024-09-17 – Grassroots group hosting the “People’s Conference for Palestinian Solidarity” at the University of Guelph

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CKMS News -2024-09-17- Grassroots group hosting the People’s Conference for Palestinian Solidarity at the University of Guelph

dan kellar
Guelph, ON – While Palestinian solidarity encampments at universities across the country have been dismantled, strategizing to keep up the pressure hasn’t stopped. The grassroots organization Guelph 4 Palestine is hosting the People’s Conference for Palestinian Solidarity at the University of Guelph on September 21st and 22nd.   The conference’s website says participants “will engage in meaningful conversations, learn and share lessons and resources, and continue to propel efforts to support a free Palestine”. 

Representatives from several Palestinian solidarity student encampments will share their experiences along with health care workers, labour organizers, Independent Jewish Voices, and others. Organizers from the “Gaza House” encampment which was set up at the University of Waterloo will be presenting.
The event will feature workshops and speakers, discussion and resource sharing spaces and programming for kids.  Registration is available online or in person at the event.

This show features an interview with Shabina Lafleur-Gangji of Guelph 4 Palestine.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2024-09-12- Kitchener reminds drivers to slow down as students return to school

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CKMS News -2024-09-12- Kitchener reminds drivers to slow down as students return to school

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – With students returning to schools across the region, the city of Kitchener is reminding drivers to slow down on the roads and pay special attention in school zones, at pedestrian crossings,  and where crossing guards are on duty.

In a press release sent by the city, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vbranovic expressed “I encourage all of us grownups to take a bit of extra care, slow down and exercise some extra caution on area roads.” These efforts are tied into the city’s Vision Zero strategy, which was adopted in 2021.

This show features interviews with Aaron McCrimmon-Jones, the manager of transportation safety and policy at the city of Kitchener and Margaret Johnston, the Ward 8 councilor for Kitchener and the chair of the city’s Community & Infrastructure Services Committee.  Visit kitchener.ca/visionzero for more on the City’s plans to eliminate traffic related injuries.

 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2024-09-10- Waterloo’s Snow Assist program expands as applications for the program’s 2nd year open

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CKMS News -2024-09-10- Waterloo’s Snow Assist program available for eligible residents

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – The City of Waterloo has expanded the availability of their Snow Assist program for the upcoming winter to help more residents. Reflecting the city’s accessibility and inclusion efforts, Snow Assist is aimed at residents 65 years of age and older and for low-income folks with disabilities.  The program will place qualifying applicants in one of three streams of service for snow removal on their properties throughout the winter.

Applications are due by the end of September and can be accessed on waterloo.ca/snow-assist.  Folks who were approved for the program last winter will be automatically re-enrolled.

This show features an interview with Tiffany Smith the manager of community programming for the city, who discusses the impetus for the program, and the various streams of service available.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News – 2024-09-06- Kitchener’s inaugural Endless Summer music festival aims to “keep the summer vibes rolling”

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CKMS News – 2024-09-06- Kitchener’s inaugural Endless Summer music festival aims to “keep the summer vibes rolling”

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –With shifting demographics in the downtown, and the return of thousands of college and university students to the region, the city of Kitchener is hosting the inaugural Endless Summer music festival on Saturday.

Featuring Canadian artists such as Rêve, Helado Negro, Born Ruffians, and I, the Mountain, the festival is free to attend and is headlined by Juno award winner TALK.  DJ Joanna Magik will be performing a set and filling the silence between sets.  In a press release the city described Endless Summer as an event which will “keep the summer vibes rolling”.

This show features an interview with the Manager of special events for the city of Kitchener, Steve Roth,  who speaks about the inaugural Endless Summer music festival taking place in the Victoria Park Commons on Saturday the 7th.  The free event runs from 2-11pm.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2024-08-30- Kitchener recognized for its “most inspiring” stormwater management program by International organization.

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CKMS News -2024-08-30- Kitchener recognized for its “most inspiring” stormwater management program by international organization

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The International Water Association has recognized the City of Kitchener for its stormwater management projects through the organization’s Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme.  

The recognized work, which the IWA calls “most inspiring”, has focused on re-naturalizing stream beds throughout the city and is aimed at adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change, which includes more frequent storm events with increased intensity. The recognition was made at the IWA’s annual congress, which was held this year from August 11-15th in Toronto.

This show features an interview with Bu Lam, the Director of Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities for the City of Kitchener, who speaks about the recent recognition the city has received for its work on stormwater management.  

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-08-25- Paddle Palooza serves a pickleball festival in downtown Kitchener

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CKMS News -2024-08-25- Paddle Palooza serves pickleball festival in downtown Kitchener.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The 1st annual Paddle Palooza Pickleball Festival is taking place in the public space in front of Kitchener city hall on August 27th. A friendly tournament with local politicians and small businesses will open the festival, followed by a few hours of open community play. The festival will wrap up with a tournament for professional players in the evening. The pickleball courts will be temporarily set up on the drained out splash pad and right out on King St which will be closed for the day. 

This show features an interview with Julie Doherty, the Sport Development Coordinator at the City of Kitchener who speaks about the pickleball festival and other efforts the city is taking to promote the growing sport.

Paddle Palooza will also have live music, local merchants, and coaches from the local pickleball advocacy organization Pickleball of Waterloo and Wellington Region (POWWR) to provide basic instruction or advanced tips to anyone interested. The event is free to attend and is scheduled to run from 2-8pm.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Public is supportive of new Benton/Frederick Street bike corridor despite concerns

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MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

Region of Waterloo community members expressed strong support for new bike lanes on Benton and Frederick streets at the Region of Waterloo’s Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee meeting on August 14, 2024.

Despite concerns about emergency vehicle access and pedestrian safety, the proposal to reduce car lanes and add bike lanes received broad support. The project’s first phase will include painted bike lanes. Phase 2 includes long-term plans for physically separated lanes to be completed by 2031.

Even with these phased-in plans, community members asked council to forgo Phase 1 and immediately start with separate bike lanes. They highlighted the benefits of safer, physically separated cycling paths connecting major areas in Kitchener. However, the delegates also discussed concerns about service vehicle access and suggestions for immediate safety improvements like precast concrete barriers.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Waterloo Region Approves New Shelter for Women and Non-Binary People

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MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

The Region of Waterloo has endorsed a new 66-bed shelter in Kitchener will serve women, gender diverse, and non-binary adults exclusively. The decision came after a lengthy debate at the Region of Waterloo’s Community and Health Services Committee on April 13th.

Public pressure has been mounting since the closure of the previous women’s shelter at the end of June, which has left no dedicated shelter beds for women in the region. At the meeting, community members and delegates, including those with lived experiences, highlighted the importance and urgency of dedicated shelter spaces for women and gender-diverse individuals for their safety and well-being.

The new shelter at 84 Frederick Street plans to offer a different operating model than the previous shelter, which was operated by the YWCA. The new model will focus on housing outcomes and additional wraparound supports, with an increase in employees with lived expertise.

This announcement came just days after the region secured a location for a temporary emergency shelter for women with 20 beds operated by the Cambridge YWCA.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-08-08- Kitchener based playwright presenting double-bill at Guelph Fringe festival

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CKMSNews-2024-08-08-Kitchener based playwright presenting double-bill at Guelph Fringe festival

dan kellar
Kitchener – Kitchener based playwright Ciarán Meyers is presenting a double bill at Guelph Fringe, his debut at the local theater festival.  According to Meyers, the two short plays, Hum-Buzz and Amygdalal  take a “goofy—sometimes biting—view of human evolution, how we got here, and what we are”.

Recent UW theater graduate Zaniq King is featured in both plays, which are polished versions of works Meyers has been developing for several years in more informal settings..

The Guelph Fringe festival runs from August 8-11 with 45 total performances. Meyers’ will have 3 show times for Hum-Buzz and Amygdala, one on each of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Visit GuelphFringe.ca for more information.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Federal government announces $25 million for affordable housing builds, repairs in Waterloo Region

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MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

The federal government has announced over $96 million in contributions and loans aimed at affordable housing across South Central Ontario, including Waterloo Region.

Locally, the funding amounts to $25 million which will help create 336 new affordable homes and repair more than 7,300 homes in the region.

The announcement was made at an affordable housing construction site in Kitchener on Thursday. The event was attended by political representatives, including Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Regional Coun. Colleen James, and the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development of Canada Jenna Sudds, who made the announcement on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

Key local projects that will receive this funding, include the revitalization project at 82 Wilson Ave., St. Mark’s Place in Kitchener and the Beaver Creek Housing Cooperative in Waterloo.

The federal government has also introduced a “frequent builder” status to streamline funding applications for experienced builders.

CKMS has more on the story.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-08-01- Ontario pirate festival drops anchor outside of Guelph in Marden Park

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CKMS News -2024-08-01- Ontario Pirate Festival Drops Anchor In Marden Park, Outside Guelph

dan kellar
Marden, ON – Dropping anchor 1.6 nautical miles north-west of Guelph to set up the Dry Bluffs shanty town, the Ontario Pirate Festival will take over Marden Park on the civic holiday long-weekend.  The immersive festival will have different styles of live entertainment, local vendors, “food for yer gob”, an ale and grog house, “the spray of the sea” (misting tents),  and child-focused theater.

This show features an interview with Captain Zoltan the Adequate, who along with captain Kelly have taken over organizing the festival, following a few years of the event sailing through choppy waters.  Calling this the “recovery breakout year” Captain Zoltan gives CKMS News the details on what folks can expect at the festival over the weekend, provides some background on the festival’s voyage, and answers one of life’s big questions “Why Pirates?”

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Time’s up for the Wastewater Surveillance Initiative in Waterloo Region

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MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

As of July 31st, the Ontario government will discontinue the Wastewater Surveillance Initiative. Unlike situations in Peterborough and Ottawa, funding for the program has not materialized from the Region of Waterloo. Councillor Colleen James updated CKMS News on the situation locally stating the Region is seeking federal support to keep the regional surveillance programs operational.

Wastewater surveillance data has fueled numerous research projects and imparted information that health authorities could rely on to accurately predict and prepare for illness outbreaks.

The cancellation has had its critics, including Professor Trevor Charles, director of the Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research.

Professor Charles discusses the potential for negative impact on public health preparedness and the loss of a world-leading research community in Ontario. The Ottawa Science Policy Network highlights that 95 researchers will be affected, potentially leading to a brain drain.

Despite government assurances of continued efforts, the Public Health Agency of Canada has not disclosed any plans to take over the initiative.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-07-28- Activate’s homecoming introduces new gaming experience to Waterloo Region

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CKMS News -2024-07-28- Activate’s homecoming introduces new gaming experience to Waterloo Region

dan kellar
Cambridge, ON – A new active entertainment experience is available in Cambridge as Activate Games has opened a new location. The Winnipeg-based company, now with 26 locations across the continent, says it is the world’s first active gaming experience, which “seamlessly blends physical activity with gaming.”

Ahead of the grand opening on July 22nd, CKMS News spoke with Activate Games’ Canadian Director of Marketing and Communications, Tanya Williams who discussed Activate’s origins and operations. 

Originally from Waterloo Region, Activate co-founders Adam and Meghan Scmidt said in a recent press release “This opening is more than just an expansion; it’s a heartfelt return to our hometown”.

This show also features segments from an Interview with Dr. John Edison Muñoz, an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo, and a researcher with the school’s Games Institute. Dr. Muñoz speaks on the state of the research for Exergames and the technology’s use beyond entertainment.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-07-26- From celebration to commemoration, KW’s Palestinian festival shifts focus to solidarity

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2024-07-26- From celebration to commemoration, KW’s Palestinian festival shifts focus to solidarity.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – Due to the “urgent” situation in Gaza, organizers of this year’s Palestine Festival in Kitchener have made the theme “Solidarity: the World Stands with Palestine”, shifting the focus from one of celebration to commemoration.  

CKMS News spoke with Suhaila Salah, a co-founder of Sporas Scattered, who along with the local chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement is organizing the 3rd annual Palestine festival with the name  Palestinian Solidarity Day.  While speaking about the shift in the festivals’ theme Salah explained, “It is not a day of mourning, it is a day to come together. We are going to commemorate.” she added,  “We still want to celebrate life”.

The Palestinian festival will take place on Sunday July 28th in the public square at Kitchener city hall from 1-9pm and features what organizers call a “packed schedule of entertainment, activities, education, and trivia games” with all donations going to support relief efforts in Gaza.

A statement CKMS News received from Global Affairs Canada about accountability for the violence Israel is inflicting in Palestine is also included in this piece.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-07-26- Cashew cheese and climate change, ‘KW VegFest’ returns to Waterloo on Saturday

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CKMS News -2024-07-26- Cashew cheese and climate change, ‘KW VegFest’ returns to Waterloo on Saturday

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – With wildfires burning across the continent, and record breaking heat intensifying around the world, the additional focus on climate change at this year’s KW VegFest is very timely. VegFest organizers say the annual festival is “for everyone” and they invite folks to “learn about plant-based and planet-based eating, health, gardening, and climate action.” 

Among the info-booths at VegFest, representatives from the Waterloo Regional Community Garden Network and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment will be present to discuss links between food, climate and health.  The rising popularity of plant based food will be reflected, with vendors from around the region offering their vegetarian and vegan options.

This show features an interview with Mo Markham, a member of Waterloo Region Climate Initiatives, and an organizer of the 7th annual KW VegFest. The event is taking place at the Uptown Square in Waterloo on Saturday July 27th from 2-7pm. 

 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

City of Kitchener highlights water safety during National Drowning Prevention Week

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After two recent separate incidents in which three people drowned in the Grand River locally, National Drowning Prevention Week comes at an excellent time. Running from July 21st to the 27th, the City of Kitchener‘s drowning prevention program aims to promote water safety through education and community events.

Recent statistics from the Drowning Prevention Research Centre show drowning rates in Ontario have increased since 2011, with seniors and young children being particularly at risk. According to the Life Saving Society of Canada, the great majority of people who drowned were not wearing a personal flotation device or were not wearing it properly.

Patrick King, the City of Kitchener’s aquatics manager, underscores the importance of proper life jacket use, the unique challenges of swimming in natural water bodies and the disproportionately higher incidence of drowning among Indigenous communities.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2024-07-21- In uncertain times, city seeking residents for “Kitchener 2051” community working group

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CKMS News -2024-07-21- Planning with uncertainty, city seeking residents for “Kitchener 2051” community working group.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – Work on “Kitchener 2051“, the city’s next 25 year official plan has commenced, and staff have opened applications for residents who would like to work in a community working group who will provide guidance throughout the process. 

In the press release, Rosa Bustamante, Kitchener’s Director of Planning and Housing Policy said “Kitchener 2051 is an opportunity to tackle these issues head-on, ask big questions, and prepare us for an uncertain future”. With work starting in the fall, the press release says the community working group will “exert real influence through their expertise and insights”.

This show features an interview with Natalie Goss, the policy and research manager for the City of Kitchener. Goss discusses the scope of “Kitchener 2051”, how the plan will be adapted as we move through dynamic social and ecological conditions, and how folks can get involved in shaping the city’s new 25 year official plan.

 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2024-10-14- Tenant organizer says residents being priced out as landlords continue to increase rents.

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CKMS News -2024-10-14- Tenant organizer says residents being priced out as landlords continue to increase rents

dan kellar

Kitchener, ON – The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing recently told CKMS News that their “balanced approach” to the rental market is working, as purpose built-housing rental construction has hit “record-high” numbers. However, renters in Waterloo Region are facing their own record highs. According to rentals.ca, landlords are now charging 1,935$ a month for a 1-bedroom in Kitchener, and more than 2,327$ for a 2-bedroom. Prices are higher in Waterloo.

Organizations advocating for stronger protections for renters have maintained their focus on landlords and the various levels of government.  One such organization is the Social Development Council of Waterloo Region, who primarily focus on “Housing & Homelessness, Grassroots Infrastructure, and Lived Expertise.”

This show features an interview with Megan Walker, a tenant organizer in the Eviction Prevention program at the Social Development Council. Walker discusses her work and responds to statements the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing made to CKMS News. 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-07-11- By-laws, phone zaps, and a day-of-action, ACORN continues push for protections for renters

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CKMS News -2024-07-11- By-laws, phone zaps, and a Day of Action, ACORN continues push for protections for renters.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – As rent prices continue to increase province-wide, ACORN has continued to demand action from all levels of government. At the municipal level, ACORN chapters were part of campaigns that won new renter protection by-laws in Kitchener and Hamilton in June, and province-wide Phone Zaps have targeted MPPs and demanded action.  

On July 11th, ACORN has organised a Day of Action with protests in Ottawa, Toronto, Mississauga, London, Hamilton demanding “the Ontario Government protect affordable housing, and stop placating for-profit corporate developers and their desire for maximum profits.”

This show features Acer Bonapart, the chair of Waterloo Region ACORN. Bonapart told CKMS that while there isn’t an action planned locally on the 11th, the group will be active through the summer.

CKMS News contacted local PC MPPs for comment on ACORN’s demands but were told they were “not available for comment”. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing did not respond.

**shortly after first publishing this piece CKMS News received a short statement from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. We will address the statement in an upcoming CKMS News publication.**

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-07-08- “A gross way to intimidate” – Independent Jewish Voices WR decries sky-banner

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CKMS News -2024-07-08- “A gross way to intimidate” – Independent Jewish Voices WR decries sky-banner

dan kellar

Kitchener, ON – On Friday July 5th, a plane departed from the Region of Waterloo airport (YKF), trailing a sky-banner with religious messaging as it looped around KW for nearly two hours.  According to online flight data, the plane looped directly above the Gaza House encampment at UW several times along its route, before heading back to the airport.

CKMS News interviewed Lauren Weinberg of Independent Jewish Voices – Waterloo Region. Weinberg spoke about the “intimidating” messaging, and how she and others felt when reading the words on the banner.

CKMS News contacted YKF about the banner and was told that “The Region of Waterloo International Airport does not offer sky banner advertising and has no oversight over advertising banners.”

Contacted by CKMS News, the plane’s operator, Flite Line Charters for comment, however, the company would not divulge their client, and said that “no one is available to comment on this” situation.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Pro-Palestinian encampment ends but fight continues at University of Waterloo

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MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

After 56 days, the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Waterloo has been peacefully dismantled. The university agreed to drop a legal claim and injunction proceeding in exchange for the voluntary decamping.

Throughout its existence, the encampment received significant support from the university community and succeeded in pushing the university to disclose its Israeli-related investments and relationships.

The encampment members criticized what they called the university’s anti-free speech strategies, including surveillance and intimidation, and emphasized their resolve to keep fighting for divestment from Israel.