For Immediate Release
August 28, 2001… It is with a mixture of relief and apprehension that B’nai Brith Canada applauds the actions taken by CSIS to arrest and expel Mr. Mahmoud Jaballah. The Toronto area teacher, who, according to published reports, entered this country on false pretences, has been linked to Egyptian and Afghan based Islamic fundamentalist terrorists. Relief, because the potent danger of Islamic terror has already hit North America, with the World Trade Center bombing in 1993. Apprehension, because the pattern set by the arrest of Ahmed Ressam and his accomplices over the millenium plot is being continued unabated. CSIS is to be congratulated for its diligent work in exposing this individual, whom they believe is a member of the Al Jihad terrorist organization, which was linked to the African embassy bombings that killed more than 200 people. Despite these efforts, though, it seems clear that Islamic terrorists are entering and using Canada as a refuge or a base for their activities. This can no longer be countenanced by Canada's immigration officials.
Rochelle Wilner, President of B’nai Brith Canada, asked this of Citizenship and Immigration Minister Elinor Caplan: “Why was a man who entered the country on a fraudulent passport and whose refugee claim was denied in 1999 allowed to stay in this country until now? If the department needs more resources to protect Canadians, they should be allocated. It is within the powers of the Immigration Act to deport suspected terrorists. We urge you to protect Canadian citizens — all Canadian citizens, including Canada’s large and vibrant Muslim community — from the scourge of terrorism.”
Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada, commented: “Following hard on the heels of the discovery and investigation of Canadian based websites recruiting fighters for an Afghan based Jihad, this arrest should be setting off alarm bells all over Ottawa. We commend CSIS for its hard work and great effort. In this time of rising international tensions in places like Sri Lanka, the Balkans, and the Middle East, it is imperative that the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, CSIS, the RCMP, and local police forces work together to face the threat of terrorism. We expect that the Government of Canada will apply whatever resources are necessary and spare no effort in ensuring the safety and security of all Canadians.”
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B’nai Brith has been active since 1875 as the country's senior advocacy and volunteer agency.
For further details or comment contact
Frank Dimant at 416-633-3224
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