For Immediate Release
Toronto, August 30, 2001: B’nai Brith Canada applauds the decision made this evening by Mr. John Manley, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to send a low level delegation to the World Conference Against Racism in Durban. Mr. Manley chose not to participate over concerns that Israel had been singled out for criticism at the conference, and that the Zionism = Racism formula that was abjured by the UN in 1991 was being re-introduced.
This demonstrates clearly that free democracies like Canada will not tolerate the use of international anti racism fora as venues for the political ostracism of states or individuals.
Rochelle Wilner, President of B’nai Brith Canada, said: “This is a reassuring move for Canadian Jews. Recent positions taken by Canada at the UN have raised concerns about its foreign policy regarding Israel. This decision demonstrates character and goodwill. We hope that Canada will continue to evaluate and re-evaluate its Middle East policy, and take positions in the UN which are more even handed towards Israel.”
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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 Rochelle Wilner at 416-254-1010 or Frank Dimant at 416-802-1057.
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