CANADIAN YMCA GIVES B’NAI BRITH CANADA LEADERS ASSURANCES OF BALANCE

Disassociates itself from international YMCA report on Mideast crisis

March 16, 2001

For Immediate Release

Toronto, March 16, 2001… In a closed-door session at Canadian YMCA headquarters this week, B’nai Brith leaders were briefed on measures YMCA Canada has taken to counter the one-sided and biased actions of the World Alliance of YMCAs in its public statements on the current violence in the Mideast.

In a productive meeting, Sol Kasimer, CEO of YMCA Canada, reported that he had requested that the materials be removed from the organizations’ website. As well, he has asked that a disclaimer be added to the report that its contents in no way represent the opinions or position of YMCA Canada.

Dr. Lawrence Hart, President of B’nai Brith Canada, commented: “We are pleased that our two organizations had a frank and open discussion. I was reassured by the Canadian YMCA’s dedication to the movement's values of tolerance and objectivity. Mr. Kasimer gave us his commitment that the issue will be taken up with the World Alliance in writing and at the movement’s world-wide meeting in Senegal later this year.”

Frank Dimant, Executive Vice-President of B’nai Brith Canada, added, “We are disappointed the World Alliance of YMCA’s, as an eminent humanitarian and service organization, has chosen to take sides on complex issues without contacting a single Israeli representative. The YMCA has a history of promoting dialogue, yet its present actions suggest a completely different agenda. We are surprised that the YMCA has not commented on the treatment of Christians under Arafat’s regime.”

Silvana Anania, Director of International Affairs at YMCA Canada and Jesse Guberman, Program and Publications Coordinator for B’nai Brith Canada's Institute for International Affairs also participated in the meeting.

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B’nai Brith Canada, active since 1875, is the country’s senior volunteer and advocacy organization.
Its Institute for International Affairs was established to monitor human rights issues around the world.

For further details contact Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada, at (416) 633-6224