B’nai Brith Canada Applauds Federal Court Decision on Oberlander

“All Nazi War Criminal Cases must be expedited”

Toronto, August 6, 2003

For Immediate Release

Toronto, August 6, 2003 — B’nai Brith Canada has applauded the decision of the Federal Court of Canada — Trial Division, which today rejected an application for judicial review of the federal Cabinet’s decision to revoke the citizenship of Helmut Oberlander. The revocation was based on an earlier finding in the same court that Mr. Oberlander obtained his Canadian citizenship by false representation or by knowingly concealing material circumstances.

Rochelle Wilner, President of B’nai Brith Canada stated: “Our justice system has already determined that Mr. Oberlander concealed his association with the Einsatzkommando, a notorious Nazi death squad, in order to gain entry to Canada. His unit was responsible for the brutal murder of more than 90,000 Jewish men, women and children. Why is this man still in Canada?”

Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President commented: “As we have done repeatedly in the past, we call on the government to take all necessary steps to expedite Oberlander’s removal from Canada. Every day that Oberlander remains in this country is a scandal.”

David Matas, Senior Legal Counsel, added: “The government should delay no longer in seeking a removal order against Oberlander. It is eight and a half years since the government initiated its revocation case against him. Such unconscionable delays in war crimes cases make a mockery of our justice system.”

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For further information contact: Joseph Ben-Ami, Director of Communications at 613-294-7313

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