For Immediate Release
Toronto, April 17, 2002 — Responding to recent votes by Canadian representatives at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights consultations in Geneva opposing unbalanced and biased resolutions targeting Israel, B’nai Brith Canada has communicated to Bill Graham, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the renewed hope of the Canadian Jewish community that Canada’s votes at the UN will consistently reflect balance and justice.
In a letter to Mr. Graham, Rochelle Wilner, President of B’nai Brith Canada wrote: “Canada’s recent votes at the Geneva consultations against unbalanced resolutions targeting Israel are an example of responsible international diplomacy at a time when so many countries are demonstrating grave irresponsibility regarding the Middle East conflict and the War on Terror.” Wilner continued “B’nai Brith Canada recognizes the constructive role Canada can play in resolving the conflict, and such indications that our diplomats are engaged in seeking balanced resolutions at the UN instead of voting for unbalanced ones are reassuring to our members and the entire community.”
Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President, commented further. “It is heartening for Canadian Jews to see their government finally taking a stand against the institutionalized anti-Israel bias that has infected almost all parts of the United Nations infrastructure. Democracies like Canada must stand with Israel against terror, incitement, and hate. When an organization like the UN puts human rights abuser Syria on the Security Council, and votes the United States, Canada’s partner in freedom, off of the Commission on Human Rights, voices of justice and truth must be raised. B’nai Brith Canada will continue to monitor international organizations, and work with the Canadian government to ensure that it votes in a responsible manner on these issues.”
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For further information 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.
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