Ottawa Journal, by David Tilson MP — Canada continues to stand in solidarity with Israel

July 31, 2014 · 0 Comments

The indiscriminate rocket attacks from Gaza on Israel threaten the lives of innocent civilians.
These reprehensible actions by Hamas and other militant groups are acts of terror. Canada unequivocally stands behind Israel. We call on our allies and partners in the international community to also condemn this violence and stand in solidarity with Israel to help bring an end to this conflict.
Israel and Canada have a strong relationship rooted in history that is reinforced by our shared values and interests. Truly, our shared values of freedom, democracy, and rule of law make us the most natural of allies. Despite daily attacks on these rights, Israel is the only country in the Middle East that is anchored in these ideals, allowing human rights, political stability and economic prosperity to flourish.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been clear that our government’s principled position to support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself is unwavering. Our position is based on our convictions and values. Indeed, as Harper emphasized in his address to Israel’s Knesset, Canada will continue to stand with Israel because it is “a Canadian tradition to stand for what is principled and just, regardless of whether it is convenient or popular.”
Jewish people deserve the opportunity to live safely and peacefully in their ancestral homeland. Our government will continue to lend its support to help further a path that leads to peace and security in the Middle East. We remain hopeful that a democratic Palestinian state will one day live peacefully alongside the Jewish State of Israel.
Hamas and its allies are solely responsible for the current crisis. Their complete disregard for human life and use of human shields to further terror in the region is unacceptable and will not lead to peace. Canada mourns the death and suffering of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians. It is Israel’s obligation to defend itself from these indiscriminate attacks and we applaud the extraordinary steps taken by Israel’s Defense Forces to reduce civilian casualties.
Our government will continue to stand in solidarity with Israel, as we remain committed to promoting Canadian values of freedom, democracy, and rule of law at home and abroad.