For Immediate Release
Toronto, Wednesday, December 11, 2002 — B’nai Brith Canada welcomes the decision taken by the Canadian government to ban Hezbollah in its entirety. In light of today’s government announcement, B’nai Brith Canada will be withdrawing its legal application for judicial review against the Government.
Rochelle Wilner, National President, stated: “Despite the long delay, we are gratified with today’s decision. Law enforcement agencies must now be directed to carry out all appropriate criminal and intelligence investigations to ensure that terrorist activities and fundraising are not being supported here. Canada can no longer be hospitable territory for terrorists.”
Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President, commented: “Today we had the opportunity to publicly thank Stockwell Day and the Canadian Alliance Party for their tireless efforts on this issue. We also conveyed our appreciation to the Government in a private meeting with the Prime Minister, the Honourable Jean Chretien.”
David Matas, Senior Legal Counsel for B’nai Brith Canada, pointed out: “We are glad that the Government has taken this initiative so soon in the court process and has recognized that Hezbollah is an indivisible group with indivisible aims. It is regrettable however that these actions were not taken earlier since every day of delay was another day that Hezbollah was able to raise funds in Canada with impunity.
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For information, call Rochelle Wilner, President (416) 254-1010 or Frank Dimant, Executive Vice-President (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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