PM Harper of Canada stands up for Israel, unequivocally

NOTE BY TED BELMAN Under Harper, Canada was the first to pull out of Durban II proceedings. Israel and the US have yet to follow suit. Under Harper, Canada began voting in support of Israel on UN unbalanced resolutions condemning Israel. Previous policy was the same as the Europeans.

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During Lebanon War II, Harper declared that “Israel’s response under the circumstances has been measured.” In October 2006, Harper said.

“When it comes to dealing with a war between Israel and a terrorist organization, this country and this government cannot and will never be neutral,” “Those who seek to destroy the Jews, who seek to destroy Israel, will … ultimately seek to destroy us all. It is why Canada’s new government has reacted with speed and spoken with clarity on the recent events in the Middle East.”

Canada was the first country to withdraw financial aid from the Hamas-led Palestinian government and, At a meeting of la Francophonie in Bucharest, Mr. Harper blocked a resolution that would only have recognized Lebanese suffering in the conflict. Canada’s foreign ministry, responding to pressure from close allies, said on Saturday it would remove the United States and Israel from a watch list of countries where prisoners risk being tortured

PM Harper of Canada stands up for Israel, unequivocally

By Michael Diamond PM Harper appeared on CFRB today in advance of his appearance tonight at the Israel@60 event at the Ricoh Centre. This is a remarkable interview and deserves letters and emails of appreciation to the PM. Key Points Made

- enemies of Israel are enemies of Canada - Canada has to take a principled position on the Middle East, and not bow to political pressure from voting demographics - Israel is a beacon in the Middle East - Canada supports a democratic Palestinian state- but that can only happen when Israel’s enemies allow Israel to live in peace. - it is not a question of demographics- it is a question of what is right and wrong - in some circles, anti-Israeli sentiment is a thinly disguised for antisemitism which is unacceptable - those who hate and wish to destroy the Jewish people will destroy the rest of us today- it was true in WW2, it is true today - this government is not prepared to cater to that kind of sentiment - Canada and Israel will remain steadfast friends - Israel’s existence as a nation of freedom and democracy in the Middle East is consistent with Canada’s short and long term interests

There has NEVER been a statement made by a leader of a political party in Canada as strong as is represented in this interview. By comparison with the interview and the point made, which are unequivocal in nature, statements made by earlier Liberal leaders, and senior Liberals today like Ignatieff, pale in comparison. Not only is Harper showing strong principled support for Israel, he is also recognizing the inherent antisemitism involved in anti-Israel activities, and further, sees clearly the total connection between our well-being as a free western state in Canada, and the welfare of Israel and the Jewish people. I am really looking forward to hearing our Prime Minister tonight at the Ricoh Centre. I am proud of him, of his party, and of our country that could deliver us a Prime Minister who operates with such principles. . PLEASE write to PM Harper pm@pm.gc.ca and thank him for his steadfast support of Israel. and send a cc to tedbel@rogers.com