Vigil2006

ISRAEL SOLIDARITY RALLY

B'nai Brith mobilizes Canadians in strong show of support for Israel - Meets with Ambassador Designate to Israel to convey thanks for Canadian Government's stance

TORONTO, July 14, 2006 - More than 1,000-strong gathered today on the streets of downtown Toronto in an Israel solidarity rally to demand the immediate and safe return of missing MIAs Corp. Gilad Shalit, 19, and soldiers Ehud Goldwasser, 31, and Eldad Regev, 26.

"B’nai Brith has been proud to mobilize Canada's grassroots community through this rally, which attracted a range of Jewish and Christian organizations as co-sponsors, as well as the group Mothers of Missing Israeli MIAs. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Israel by so many people, who joined together to call for an end to terror," said Frank Dimant, B'nai Brith Canada's Executive Vice President who addressed the crowd gathered in front on the Consulate General of Israel. "This message resonates on the streets of Toronto and in many cities across the globe where similar such rallies have been held.

"In advance of this afternoon's rally, B'nai Brith officials met with Canada's Ambassador- Designate to Israel, Mr. Jon Allen, and conveyed to him the gratitude and thanks of Canada's Jewish community for Prime Minister Harper's strong and principled stance in support of Israel.

"We welcome the statement by the Government of Canada condemning Hezbollah's attack on Israel and for rightly singling out Iran and Syria as countries that give support to the terrorist group. The Government clearly understands the threat, both at home and abroad, posed by terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and it is this message that emanated today from the streets of Toronto."

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For more information, please contact, Karen Lazar, Communications Director:
416-633-6224 X 140 / cell: 647-999-9835

B’nai Brith Canada has been active in Canada since 1875 as the Jewish community’s foremost human rights agency