THERE IS NO MORAL EQUIVALENCE BETWEEN THE SLAUGHTER OF CIVILIANS AND THE TARGETING OF TERRORISTS

August 9, 2001

For Immediate Release

Toronto, August 9, 2001… B’nai Brith Canada called on the Government of Canada to rethink its condemnation of Israel’s anti-terrorist strategy as yet more Israeli civilians were murdered by a terrorist bomb which has, so far, claimed at least 15 lives. B’nai Brith’s leadership has only just returned from a Solidarity Mission to Israel, which included a briefing from Uzi Landau, Minister of Internal Security on the grave and immediate threat to the safety of Israel’s citizens from Palestinian extremist groups operating freely in the area.

Rochelle Wilner, President of B’nai Brith Canada, was horrified by this deliberate targeting of a Jerusalem city centre restaurant that was known as a frequent meeting place of both Israelis and youngsters from such countries as Canada and the US. “Just days ago we saw for ourselves the havoc that has been wrecked by unrestrained terrorist activity against Israelis. Meeting with so many victims and their families really brought home to us the stark reality that even our own government seems to overlook, that Israel must retain the capability to take whatever anti-terrorist measures are necessary to strike at those who are active in the infrastructure of terrorism. We send that message to the Canadian Government, and at the same time are resolved to convey our support to the Israeli Government, when we return for consultations later this month, for any measures that will counter terror.”

Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President, commented, “Let us imagine that Canadian cities and Canadian citizens were being targeted in this manner, whether by bombs aimed at maximizing death and injury to our youth, by mortar shellings of our school buses, by bullets aimed at motorists on our highways or pedestrians out for a stroll with their babies, or by stones aimed at worshippers at prayer, what would Canada's response be? It is inconceivable that states could so underestimate the risks of terrorism that they will issue expressions of outrage on the one hand, and at the same expect Israel to wait passively for the next outrage. It is doubtful that the Canadian Government, or any other democracy, would adopt that strategy when facing such danger.”

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B’nai Brith has been active since 1875 as the country's senior advocacy and volunteer agency. Its Institute for International Affairs was established to monitor human rights issues worldwide, and covers the issues of Nazi war criminals within its mandate.

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