The Leader of the Official Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Andrew Scheer, issued the following statement on Yom Ha’atzmaut:
“Today, the Jewish community in Canada and Jews around the world celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, Yom Ha’Azmaut.
On May 14, 1948, Jewish Agency Chairman David Ben-Gurion – later Israel’s first Prime Minister – declared the creation of the State of Israel, establishing the first modern Jewish state in almost 2,000 years. Seventy-one years later, we celebrate the numerous achievements of Israel as well as the Jewish community in Canada.
This year, we will also be celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Israel. Israel is one of Canada’s strongest allies and a beacon of pluralism and democracy in a turbulent part of the world.
Our bilateral ties are deep and meaningful. We will continue to develop and expand them for the benefit of both of our nations.
“Canada is proud to be one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel. We are proud of our longstanding support for Israel.It was previous Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper who was the first Canadian Prime Minister to address Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset. We recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the central role it has held in Judaism and for the Jewish people for thousands of years.
We condemn recent indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas against peaceful Israeli civilians. We will always stand for Israel’s sovereign right to defend its borders and people.
On behalf of Canada’s Conservatives, please accept my greetings and best wishes of prosperity and peace to Israel.
Yom Ha’Azmaut Sameach!”