B’NAI BRITH CANADA CALLS ON SOLICITOR GENERAL TO BAN AL-AQSA MARTYRS BRIGADE

Toronto, January 6, 2003

For Immediate Release

In response to yesterday’s terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, B’nai Brith Canada has written to the Solicitor General of Canada urging him to add the notorious terrorist group, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, to the list of “entities knowingly engaged in terrorist activity”. This group is already identified as being involved in terrorist activities pursuant to the United Nations Suppression of Terrorism Regulations, but this sanction only applies to the freezing of its assets.

Rochelle Wilner, National President of B’nai Brith Canada, stated:

’The fact that the Al-Aqsa Brigade has claimed responsibility for yesterday’s carnage in Tel Aviv actually tells us nothing new about its murderous aims and lethal philosophy. Its many vicious acts against civilians have long ago placed it on the A — list of terrorists along with Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah. Canada must recognize that reality, just as it did most recently with Hezbollah.”

Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President, who is currently in Israel for consultations with the Israeli government and security experts on terrorist activity worldwide, urged the Solicitor General to review the status of the Al-Aqsa Brigade as a matter of urgency.

“It is intolerable that a group with such a bloody record should be beyond the reach of Canada’s Anti-Terrorism legislation.”

David Matas, Senior Legal Counsel, who filed B’nai Brith’s court challenge to the Canadian government over its initial reluctance to ban Hezbollah, wrote to the Solicitor General:

“Al-Aqsa is already listed pursuant to the United Nations Suppression of Terrorism Regulations in recognition of its nefarious role in sponsoring and implementing numerous acts of murder and mayhem against civilians. Its most recent claim of responsibility can surely not be ignored, providing as it does any last remaining evidence that your department might have needed in terms of the ‘burden of proof’ required by the Criminal Code.”

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For further information call:
Rochelle Wilner at 416 254-1010 or David Matas 204-944-1831

B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.