Political ad campaign at Vancouver transit station stirs up controversy

VANCOUVER – TransLink says a series of ads that depict the territory of Palestine shrinking into the state of Israel will not be pulled from a transit station or buses in the Vancouver area.

The ads, called “Disappearing Palestine,” are produced by six Vancouver-based groups calling themselves the Palestine Awareness Coalition.

The ads are displayed at a wall mural in a Vancouver SkyTrain station, as well as on 15 buses.

The Palestine Awareness Coalition’s website says the ads depict Israel’s steady occupation of Palestinian territory, and that they are meant to raise awareness.

Coalition spokesperson Marty Roth says several Jewish groups are offended by the ads, but the transit utility says the ads will stay up because they comply with Canadian advertising standards and do not violate any human rights.

TransLink says in a media release that while it does not endorse nor advocate any positions put forward by outside advertisers. (The Canadian Press, CKNW)