TORONTO, June 15, 2010 – B’nai Brith Canada has called for the NDP to strip MP Libby Davies of her leadership roles in the party following remarks she made at an anti-Israel rally stating that the “occupation of Palestine” began in 1948 and in support of a boycott of the Jewish State. Davies, who has a long record of anti-Israel activism, is currently the deputy leader of the NDP and its leader in the House of Commons.
“B’nai Brith Canada is calling on NDP leader Jack Layton to take action against Libby Davies for her outrageous remarks against the Jewish State, and by extension the Jewish people,” said Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada. “The fact that Davies made her comments at an anti-Israel rally held in front of a Jewish-owned business speaks volumes to the fact that anti-Israel agitators in Canada are blurring the lines between criticism of Israeli policies and antisemitism.
“Both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Party foreign affairs critic Bob Rae have justifiably called for the resignation of Ms. Davies. NDP leader Jack Layton has gone on the record today stating that her remarks are not the policy of his party - if that is the case, then Mr. Layton should take the next step and relieve Davies of her leadership positions in the party.”
For more information, please contact, Dan Rabkin, Communications Officer: 416-633-6224 X 140 / cell: 416-312-9173
