Leaders from the Orthodox Union (OU) and NCSY Canada were in Ottawa last week to present the organizations’ Outstanding Award of Merit to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The award was presented in recognition of his steadfast and principled leadership, his unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish community and his determination to fight anti-Semitism wherever it appears.
Seen from left are Philip Reichmann, tribute event chair; Larry Zeifman, president of OU Canada; Prime Minister Stephen Harper; and Rabbi Glenn Black, executive director of NCSY.
“We were delighted that the prime minister took the time to meet with us so that we could thank him on behalf of an appreciative community,” said tribute event co-chair Philip Reichmann.
“Prime Minister Harper has consistently demonstrated a principled and just stance on foreign affairs, earning him a leading role amongst the world’s statesmen.”
The delegations from the OU and NCSY also met with a number of ministers and MPs including the leader of the Opposition Michael Ignatieff, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Americas) Peter Kent and parliamentary secretary to the prime minister Pierre Poilievre. Among a number of policy discussions and issues of concern to the Canadian Orthodox Jewish community, the delegation asserted the rights of Jewish citizens to legally build homes throughout the Land of Israel. Further meetings included senior members of the prime minister’s cabinet.
“While we expressed our deep appreciation to the prime minister, we also had frank and honest discussions on a range of issues, including the sovereignty and centrality of Jerusalem; the regional and global risks posed by Iran and the terrorist groups they support; as well as Bill C35 – Canada’s proposed anti-terrorism law – a bill which we believe is, simply, not strong enough,” said Laurence Zeifman, president of OU Canada.
“We’re certain that these issues, which are vital to Canada’s Orthodox Jewish community, were heard and well understood during our visit, and we are confident the prime minister will address these in the same responsible and considerate manner he has demonstrated to date,” adds Zeifman.
Rabbi Glenn Black, CEO of NCSY Canada notes that in his organization’s efforts to engage Jewish youth and teach them about the responsibilities of citizenship, “we often use role models to exemplify the high personal standards of conscience and courage demanded by both Canadian and Jewish traditions.
“Prime Minister Harper is often the example we cite, as time and again, he has demonstrated that he is prepared to stand up for what is right, even when it is not popular, and even under significant international pressure,” adds Rabbi Black.
— Compiled by CJN Staff