March 18, 2024
OTTAWA – B’nai Brith Canada is outraged by the House of Commons’ decision Monday to adopt an unprecedented and appalling anti-Israel proposal introduced by the New Democratic Party (NDP).
Among other things, the motion calls on Canada to pressure Israel into agreeing to an “immediate” ceasefire in its war with Hamas. Far from addressing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region, the motion calls for measures that would help Hamas reclaim power in Gaza and resume attacks against Israeli civilians.
In the lead up to today’s vote, B’nai Brith spoke out against the NDP motion and organized a joint statement condemning it. The statement, which was signed by a diverse array of community and civic leaders from across the country, was shared with all Members of Parliament.
“By adopting such a one-sided and irresponsible motion, the House has expressed an appalling degree of disregard for Israel’s right to defend itself,” said David Granovsky, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Government Relations. “Canada must not stand in the way as Israel works to neutralize the terrorists who are preventing the implementation of a sustainable peace.”
The non-binding motion is a worrisome sign that anti-Israel demonization is becoming normalized in Canada. There is a legitimate risk that the motion will only further fuel the incitement that is already responsible for fomenting record levels of antisemitism within our country.
“Hamas still holds more than 100 hostages,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy. “Our Government should be focusing on securing their release and helping Israel eliminate Hamas, which is a listed terrorist organization in this country.
“The 11th-hour manner in which the motion was amended made a mockery of parliamentary procedure and demonstrated a callous lack of understanding of the sensitive nature of the contents of the motion for Canadian Jews.”
