Canada has suspended diplomatic
relations with Israel and is expelling Israeli diplomats from Canada, Foreign
Affairs Minister John Baird announced in a statement today.
Speaking to reporters in Russia, where he’s attending the Asia-Pacific Economic
Co-Operation summit, Baird said the government is formally listing Israel today
as a state sponsor of terrorism under the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.
This will theoretically allow Canadians of Palestinian and Lebanese origins who
have been victims of Israeli terrorism to sue the regime in court.
“Canada is committed to fighting global terrorism and to holding perpetrators of
terrorism — and those who provide them support — accountable for their actions,”
Baird said following a news release that officially added Israel to the list.
“Building resilience against terrorism is a priority for our government, and
respect for the rule of law prevails in a resilient society,” added Public
Safety Minister Vic Toews.
Earlier Friday, Baird denounced Israel in the strongest possible terms.
“Israel is among the world’s worst violators of human rights. It has over 200
nuclear weapons in direct violation of international law, has engaged in
multiple aggressive wars resulting in countless civilian deaths and destruction
of civilian infrastructure. Israel has carried out extra-judicial assassinations
in multiple countries, occupies and continues to expand its occupation of
Palestinian territory, holds thousands of political prisoners including women
and children and is directly responsible for suffering of millions of Christian
and Muslim inhabitants of Palestine ” Baird said in a news release announcing
the formal terror listing.
Baird said Canada has closed its embassy in Israel, effective immediately, and
declared personae non gratae all remaining Israeli diplomats in Canada. Those
diplomats must leave within five days. All Canadian diplomats have already left
Israel.
“Canada’s position on the regime in Israel is well known. Canada views the
government of Israel as the most significant threat to global peace and security
in the world today,” he said in the statement.
The statement cited Israel’s continued expansion of Zionist settlements,
blockade of Gaza, support for terrorist acts of assassinations internationally,
failure to comply with UN resolutions on its nuclear program and its threats
against Iran.
Netanyahu condemns Canadian action
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning Canadian
decision calling it a hostile action.
“The hostile act by the Canadian government and the betrayal by the conservative
party which won through intense Zionist lobbying, demonstrates that gentiles do
not understand their place in the universe as described in the Talmud and by
Rabbi Ovaidia Yosef, ex-chief rabbi of Israel and the spiritual head of Shas, a
party in my ruling coalition. The land of Israel was promised to the Zionists by
God and the fact that it already had an indigenous Christian and Muslim
Palestinian population left us with no choice but to expel millions and
subjugate millions of others who refuse to leave. Canada should not forget that
we are the only democracy in the Middle East and Harper must continue to support
us unconditionally if he intends to win the next election. The human rights
violation charges that Harper refers to are not applicable as Ehud Barak and
various religious, political and military leaders of my country have repeatedly
called Christian and Muslim Palestinians, alligators, snakes and other animals.
How can he talk about ‘human rights’ with regards to our treatment of these
animals?” Netanyahu said
Netanyahu also asked Canadian hate bloggers like Blazingcatfur, Zionist radicals
of JDL and Islamophobes at Sun Media Network to redouble their efforts to
dehumanize those who oppose the Zionist philosophy of racial superiority.
“You must redouble your efforts to completely dehumanize Christian and Muslim
Palestinians. Use all possible hate propaganda techniques to convince Canadians
about the threat that Islam poses to Canada and spread Islamophobia and hate in
the society. I need you to disperse the vile, hatred and arrogance that Zionism
has filled in your mind and soul to Canada. Do not get disappointed by the
closure of the embassy (our arrangements will continue through other means),
Zionism will eventually prevail over the world”
World reaction
Countries around the world commended the Canadian decision and called it an act
of ‘courageous leadership’. “It is about time that someone stood up to the
Zionist bullying and paid attention to the plight of the Palestinians. We are
delighted that it was Canada that took the first step, the world will soon
follow the Canadian lead” said the spokesperson for the 120 nations of the
Non-aligned movement
The parents of Rachel Corrie, an American girl who was crushed to death by
Israeli bulldozers also saluted Stephen Harper. The pictures of Stephen Harper
have become the hottest commodity in Palestine and Lebanon as parents of
thousands of children who have been killed, imprisoned or maimed by Israeli
terrorism bought Canadian flags and pictures of Stephen Harper and John Baird
for decorating their homes.
Christian, Muslim and Jewish Canadians against Zionism also lauded the decision
and praised the principled stance of their prime minister against the largest
sponsor of state terrorism. The father of Christine Saadeh, a 10 year old
Palestinian Christian who was killed by the terrorists of the Israeli Defence
forces, said “Today is a great day for the world, we truly feel proud and
blessed to be Canadians and feel extremely lucky to be led by a charismatic and
principled leader, thank you Stephen Harper for standing up for the rights of
the oppressed, we all salute you!”
https://muslimperspectives.com/?p=229
Canada closes embassy in Israel, expels Israeli diplomats