B’NAI BRITH CANADA OUTRAGED AT THE GOVERNMENT’S “SHORT SIGHTED” RESPONSE TO TERROR

Toronto, July 24, 2002

For Immediate Release

Toronto, July 24, 2002 — The Canadian Jewish community has reacted with fierce criticism to a decision by the Federal Cabinet to ban only Al Qaeda and six allied extremist groups from operating in Canada under the new Anti-Terrorist Act. Other groups, such as Hamas and the military wing of Hezbollah are already included on another list determined by Cabinet for the purpose of seizing the funds of terrorist organizations under the United Nations Suppression of Terrorism Regulations. However, they have not been included in the list that pertains to the Anti-Terrorist Act.

Rochelle Wilner, National President, stated: “Canadians demand to know why the federal government has neglected to take decisive steps to protect us by outlawing such groups as Hamas, as well as Hezbollah in its entirety, under the Anti-Terrorist Act. There is no doubt that they have been the instigators and perpetrators of terrorism and have allied themselves to groups that have been included on the list. How can entities be described by Cabinet as terrorists under the United Nations Suppression of Terrorism Regulations, and yet be ignored under our Anti-Terrorist legislation?”

Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President, commented: “As we approach the anniversary of the tragedy of 9-11, we call upon the Prime Minister and our government to stand with us against terror. The legislation in place will only work with clear direction from our leaders. Why has the government omitted Hamas, the epitome of terror, and the entire Hezbollah, which, according to recent reports, nurtures ties with the now banned Al Qaeda organization? Any activity by these groups should be banned in this country for the protection of all Canadians, as well as those who may be targeted abroad.”

David Matas, Senior Legal Counsel, added his concern: “It is bad enough that Hezbollah in its entirety is not included in the list relating to the UN Suppression of Terrorism Regulations. By omitting to even mention the military wing of Hezbollah and Hamas in the Anti-Terrorist Act list, the government has made a bad situation even worse.”

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For further details 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.

The entire Audit is available online at:
http://www.bnaibrith.ca/publications/audit2002/interim2002.html