Yakov M. Rabkin is a professor of history at the Université de Montréal, author and critic of Zionism.[1] His book A Threat from Within: A Century of Jewish Opposition to Zionism was nominated for best French to English translation for "an important and timely work" at the 2006 Governor General's Awards.[2]
His other published works include Science Between the Superpowers (Priority Press), a study of programs for the exchange of U.S and Soviet Union scientists.[3]
Rabkin joined Montreal lawyers and academics in publishing an opinion piece in Le Devoir on July 11, 2007, demanding an explanation from McGill University for the dismissal of religious studies lecturer Norman Cornett.[4]
In May 2010, Rabkin defended the group Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QUAIA), stating that "It is critical for the survival of our freedoms to resist the efforts of the "Israel-first" Zionists to censor free speech" and that QUAIA's activism is "uncomfortable for Israel's apologists in this country." He added that "One may sympathize with Israel fans in this country who find it hard to present the state of Israel in an attractive light. By campaigning to ban the QUAIA, they only confirm what many have long suspected: that Israel is indeed an apartheid state."[5]
In a conversation with Alan Hart, Hart stated that he asked Rabkin "Is it reasonable to say that the Jews of the world now have a choice to make? either to reaffirm their commitment to Judaism and renounce Zionism, or to reaffirm or affirm their commitment to Zionism and renounce Judaism?” Hart stated that Rabkin simply responded "Yes!”[6]
Rabkin largely rejects the concept of a two-state solution for the Israel/Palestine conflict, and has expressed strong support for a bi-national state.[5]