Coast-to-Coast Community events tonight in solidarity with Israel
Posted on: January 8, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

UIA Federations Canada, a national fundraising organization and Jewish community planning body, recognizes and appreciates the strong support for Israel being demonstrated in a series of rallies that will take place today in major communities across the country.  

“Canadian support for Israel’s necessity and obligation to defend her citizens and put a stop to the endless rocket attacks from Gaza has been extraordinary” said UIA national chair Barbara Farber.  “As part of that support, Jewish communities from Halifax to Vancouver are taking part tonight in a national initiative to show our solidarity with Israel”. 

Southern Israel has been bombarded by some 6,500 Hamas-fired rockets since the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, more than 500 of which were fired during the recent ceasefire that ended last month.  The Canadian Jewish Community has been shocked and saddened by Hamas’ use of Palestinian civilians as human shields, along with the tragic loss of innocent life that is the inevitable consequence.

“We are particularly troubled by some of the extreme language that has characterized anti-Israel rallies in various Canadian communities”, continued Ms. Farber, referring to cries of “Viva via intifadah” and calls for the destruction of Israel that have been heard in various demonstrations over the last week.  “That kind of rhetoric is inflammatory and contrary to Canadian values and should be condemned by all right-thinking Canadians.”

“The situation in the Middle East is tragic, and the Canadian Jewish community is focused on achieving a sustainable and peaceful outcome as quickly as possible, so that Israelis and Palestinians can return to normal life”, concluded Ms. Farber.