Canada stands by Israel

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 65th anniversary of Israel’s Independence 

15 April 2013

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day: 

“I would like to extend my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. 

“Israel, like Canada, is a great nation, and like Canada, Israel serves as a beacon of hope in an uncertain world. That is because it has as its foundation the universal values that our two countries share; freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. 

“However, unlike Canada, Israel remains threatened by groups and regimes that deny its very right to exist. And yet, through centuries of struggle, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have endured. And endure they must, for the consequences of failure are great and far reaching. If one free and democratic society is threatened, all are at risk. 

“As you celebrate the first 65 years of the State of Israel, know this: Canada is your partner, Canada is your friend, and Canada stands with you. 

“Happy 65th anniversary! 

“Shalom!” 

http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=3&featureId=6&pageId=49&id=5417

 

Minister Kenney issues statement to recognize Israel’s Independence Day 

Ottawa, April 15, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, the anniversary of Israel’s Independence: 

“Today we celebrate 65 years of Israel’s independence. The 1948 Declaration of Independence by future Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion marked the Jewish people’s realization of self-determination in their historic homeland. 

“Canada was one of 33 countries that voted in favour of the United Nations resolution calling for the creation of a Jewish state. Canada was also one of the first countries to formally recognize the State of Israel upon its founding. 

“We are proud to celebrate not only Israel’s independence, but also warm Canada-Israel relations based on fundamental, common values. The strong ties between our two countries continue to flourish and are enhanced by our shared commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. 

“Israel is a pluralistic democracy that celebrates freedom of religion, equality of the sexes, and minority rights. It is commendable that Israelis have built an open and prosperous society despite constant threats and attacks from extremist groups and hostile regimes, and from the anti-Semitism of critics who seek to delegitimize and deny Israel’s very right to exist. 

“Canada will continue to stand with the State of Israel against those who terrorize her people, imperil their right to exist and live in peace and security, or single out the only Jewish state for disproportionate or unique criticism. 

“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, both in Canada and around the world.

“Yom Ha’atzmaut sameach!” 

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/statements/2013/2013-04-15.asp

 Sincerely, 

Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP

Calgary Southeast

www.JasonKenney.ca

April 15, 2013 | 5 Comments »

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  1. Harper is the last decent leader standing in the diaspora world. (There haven’t been any others, as a matter of fact, for awhile.)If Shiny Pony (Justin Trudeau) takes over ( and he very well, considering the voting IQ of the public), this place is headed for the toilet.

  2. PA Summons Canadian Envoy to Protest Foreign Minister John Baird’s meeting with Livni in eastern Jerusalem. Baird met Livni, lead peace negotiator in Israel’s cabinet, at her office in eastern Jerusalem last Tuesday. Such a move is normally avoided by visiting diplomats since world countries do not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over eastern Jerusalem, which it liberated during the 1967 Six Day War.- Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi said he was “extremely shocked” by the eastern Jerusalem meeting. – http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/167123

    Baird has defended his action, saying where he has coffee with someone is “irrelevant” to the larger discussion of Middle East peace and does not signal a shift in Canadian foreign policy. His spokesman, Rick Roth, said in an email to The Canadian Press on Sunday that “As guests, we were pleased to meet our hosts where it was most convenient for them.” However, previous Canadian government ministers have avoided crossing into East Jerusalem with Israeli officials as a matter of principle and practice. http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/04/15/a-deplorable-step-palestinians-summon-canadian-envoy-over-john-bairds-east-jerusalem-meeting/