B’NAI BRITH CALLS ON THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE ITS POLICY ON THE MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

Ottawa, March 6, 2002

For Immediate Release

Ottawa, March 6, 2002 — Canadian Jewry’s senior advocacy organization, in full page ads in the national and local press, called on the government to reconsider its Middle East policy. On the occasion of the state visit of Israeli President Moshe Katsav, B’nai Brith called on Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham to ensure that Canada votes against resolutions proposed by Arab and Muslim dictatorships that unfairly target Israel, encourage terrorism and promote antisemitism throughout the world.

Rochelle Wilner, National President of B’nai Brith Canada, who has visited Israel four times since the current Intifada began, called on Canada to ensure that the culture of hate that is being taught and espoused by Arafat’s Palestinian Authority, be condemned vocally and unequivocally by our government. “Canada must make Arafat understand that he has an obligation to renounce the use of violence and stop the terrorist attacks being committed under his auspices. It is unconscionable that Canada continues to deal with Arafat while his own shock troops are committing daily attacks on Israeli civilians.”

Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President, stated: “It is time that the niceties that are traditionally associated with Canada cease. We as Canadians are committed to the battle against terrorism. Arafat and his security forces are part and parcel of the international terrorist apparatus. Our government cannot speak of friendship with Israel and support for its security, and at the same time handle Arafat with kid gloves.”

-30-

For further comment, contact Rochelle Wilner at (416) 254-1010 or Frank Dimant at (416) 802-1057

B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.