PALESTINIANS RESPOND TO ISRAELI RESTRAINT WITH TERRORIST ATTACKS

B’nai Brith Canada calls on democracies to create common front in the war against terrorism

May 30, 2001

For Immediate Release

Toronto, May 30, 2001… B’nai Brith Canada reacted with horror to Israeli civilian losses and casualties sustained in a series of terrorist attacks following the Jewish festival of Shavuot.

Rochelle Wilner, President of B’nai Brith Canada, responded: “These frightening acts of terror are a cowardly attempt to break the spirit of the Jewish people. The most recent attacks targeting a school, places of recreation, shopping malls, frequently traveled highways and funeral processions demonstrate the desire of the terrorists to disrupt normal life in the state of Israel. In the face of these attacks it is our hope and prayer that the Jewish people will continue to have the strength to persevere in defending the land of Israel. We hope that all Canadians of good faith now see the true intentions of Palestinian terrorism.”

Frank Dimant, Executive Vice-President of B’nai Brith Canada, added, “The Palestinians have responded to Israel’s restraint with these attacks. By failing to live up to signed commitments to fight against terrorism, Arafat has contributed to a scourge that threatens all democracies. Democratic states everywhere should unite in the fight against terrorism, which is our common enemy, instead of condemning Israel in her struggle to defend her citizens.”

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B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s senior advocacy and volunteer organization. Its Institute for International Affairs was established to monitor human rights issues around the world.

For more information, please contact:
Rochelle Wilner or Frank Dimant at (416) 633-6224