CIC Launches Campaign to Raise Awareness of Hamas Terrorism

OTTAWA, June 22 /CNW/ - Today, the Canada-Israel Committee launched a campaign to raise awareness of Hamas terrorism and the necessity of the arms blockade of Gaza.

"It is important for Canadians to understand why the arms blockade exists - which is entirely to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons to use against Israeli civilians," said Moshe Ronen, Chair of the Canada-Israel Committee. "We cannot forget that the arms blockade is a legitimate, defensive action that both Israel and Egypt have undertaken in direct response to tens of thousands of missiles fired on Israeli homes, schools, and communities over several years."

The campaign, entitled What Would We Do, asks Canadians to put themselves in Israel's position, and consider how Canada would respond were it facing continual attacks from neighboring terrorists.

"Being fortunate to live in such a safe country, it's difficult for Canadians to appreciate the violence that threatens Israeli families every day," remarked Shimon Fogel, CEO of the Canada-Israel Committee. "If Canadian communities were being hit by missiles on a near-daily basis, at a minimum, we would demand that our government inspect cargo destined for those attacking us."

Israel withdrew completely from the Gaza Strip in 2005 in the hope that it would accelerate the peace process. Hamas seized control of the territory in June 2007 in a bloody coup, which eliminated all political opposition and imposed a rigid Islamist regime on the people. Hamas has an extensive record of terrorist activity, including suicide bombings and kidnappings, and as such is listed by the Government of Canada as a banned terrorist entity.

The Canada-Israel Committee noted that despite the arms blockade, Israel delivers fifteen thousand tons of humanitarian aid every week to Gaza, and has recently announced measures to allow additional supplies into the territory.

To learn more, visit www.whatwouldwedo.ca

For further information: Shimon Fogel, CEO, 613-762-3657