For Immediate Release
Toronto, June 13, 2002… The combined voice of Christians for Israel and B’nai Brith Canada and will now be heard in Ottawa on issues relating to the security and safety of Israel. Following a joint humanitarian mission to visit victims of terror, the two groups convened with Mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert to read a joint declaration of principles (attached) on shared goals and objectives.
Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada noted: “Discussions are underway for 18 joint missions to Israel in the next 24 months, culminating in 1000 Jews and Christians coming together in Jerusalem in a massive gesture of support and solidarity with the people of Israel.”
The Mayor complimented both groups on their sincerity, commitment and dedication, which will not only result in increased tourism, but also the creation of a strong advocacy voice in support of Israel.
The Reverend John Tweedie, International Vice President of Christians for Israel and Dean Bye, North American Coordinator, together with Rochelle Wilner, National President of B’nai Brith Canada issued the following statement:
B’nai Brith Canada (hereafter BBC) and Christians for Israel (hereafter CFI) are committed to uniting and working together to strengthen and support Israel, the traditional homeland of the Jewish people.
BBC and CFI share a vision of peace in Israel and the return of Jews who have been dispersed throughout the world to their historical, national and spiritual homeland.
BBC and CFI share a growing concern that the peoples of the world are increasingly involved in attacks that deny the legitimacy of Israel's existence and disregard her safety and security.
BBC and CFI are committed to working together on a variety of educational programs to increase understanding between the faith-based communities, as well as the general population, on matters related to Israel, Zionism, the Middle East and the Holocaust.
BBC and CFI are committed to establishing dialogue between Jews and Christians in order to increase mutual understanding and encourage individual responsibility through community action.
BBC will offer CFI assistance with advocacy training programs with the aim that both organizations, as well as their wider constituents, can run joint and/or parallel initiatives that foster greater understanding of Israel’s position.
BBC and CFI will co-ordinate parallel approaches to government, the media and the general public as part of a wider educational and advocacy campaign that will combine expressions of solidarity and action in public support of Israel.
BBC and CFI will co-operate in joint solidarity missions to Israel imbued with programming that emphasizes the historical and religious significance of Israel to the Jewish people as well as to all the peoples of the earth.
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For further comment, contact Frank Dimant in Jerusalem on 011 972 53 365 402
Local callers dial 053 365 402
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.
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