[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Sunday that he will visit Israel, Jordan and the West Bank early next year. This visit will mark the Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Middle East.
“I’ll tell you, friends, what I’m going to be doing in January — I’m going to be going and visiting the state of Israel,” he said to enthusiastic applause, at the “Negev Dinner” sponsored by the Jewish National Fund of Toronto.
“Canada recognizes the importance of building inclusive and stable societies, underpinned by democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law,” the Prime Minister said. “Our Government will continue to take a strong, principled stand internationally, including at the United Nations, on all matters related to Israel and the Middle East. I look forward to visiting the Middle East early next year to explore ways of strengthening peace and security, stimulating sustainable economic growth, and promoting essential Canadian values, such as tolerance and human rights, across the region.”
“It will be a great trip,” Mr. Harper said.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed our Government’s unfailing support for Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, as well as the close and long-standing relationship that exists between both countries.
“Israel will always have Canada as a friend,” he pledged. “As long as we are there, Canada will hold firm.”
Watch Prime minister Harper’s speech:
In a televised video message, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded his Canadian counterpart as a “true leader.”
“Stephen doesn’t follow the herd,” Netanyahu said. “He has stood up for the truth, time and time again. Stephen doesn’t want to be politically correct, he wants to be correct. He had the courage to stand up for what he believed. I salute you Stephen, not only as a personal friend, and a friend of Israel but as a great leader.”
Following his brief remarks, Prime Minister Harper broke into classic rock and roll tunes with his band Herringbone, “sliding through tight cover renditions of artists such as Buddy Holly, The Who, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and easy between-song patter any musician would admire,” The National Post reported.
During the dinner, the Prime Minister was honored by the Jewish National Fund of Toronto for his principled leadership in the international fight against anti-Semitism, raising awareness of the heinous crimes of the Holocaust, and for being a steadfast supporter of Israel and the Jewish people.
Photo: Matthew Sherwood/National Post
(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)
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One Response
i was following this item this week and it was difficult being the time.. the videos and so forth
i see you noticed this item! you wrote it well and you found a very good video clip the circumstances permitting..
2 things i beileve he will receieve a tremendous heroes welcome in israel..
and the fact is the nonjews relate profoundly to true spiritual conviction which the jews are soo akward at providing
im hoping he will address his friendship to israel.. in a public forum
this was a important news item and you aced it very well!! thank you