The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Welcomes Israel's Prime Minister on Visit to Canada

OTTAWA, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - This weekend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be visiting Canada to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, key officials, and members of Canada's Jewish community. In anticipation, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

			"We extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Netanyahu on his visit to Canada, the second such official trip in three years. For more than six decades, successive Canadian governments have expanded bilateral relations with Israel, fostering a deep friendship based on the values we share as liberal democracies. This relationship has become increasingly beneficial for both countries, as joint projects have poised Canada and Israel to make breakthroughs in fields like healthcare, green energy, and technology.
			"By remaining true to Canada's core interests and ideals, our country is playing a key role in the Middle East on a number of issues. On the one hand, this has meant taking a strong stand against those who violate human rights, export terrorism, and threaten global stability - like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the governments of Iran and Syria. On the other, it has meant actively promoting peace by encouraging negotiations and enhancing Palestinian self-government. All of this is helping to achieve two prosperous states, one Jewish and one Palestinian, living side-by-side in peace and security.
			"As we reflect on the extraordinary friendship between our two countries, all Canadians can be proud that Canada is a leading champion of democracy, human rights, and peace in the Middle East."

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the Canadian Jewish community's official spokesperson to government and media.

 

Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
416-953-4417
[email protected]