Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu rolled out the red carpet for visiting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and the VIP guest earned the honors big time. Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein presented Harper with a key to the Knesset, explaining he is the first foreign dignitary in the world bestowed this honor.

The prime minister highlighted that despite their criticism of the state, Arab MKs cannot find the freedom they enjoy in Damascus and elsewhere, and that is why they do not wish to leave for their realize they will not find a better life anywhere.

Harper did not mince words in his unwavering support of the State of Israel, rejecting outright any and all attempts to compare Israel to an apartheid nation.

He concluded his remarks saying “Through fire and water, Canada will stand with you,” receiving a strong round of applause from lawmakers. Arab MKs including Dr. Ahmed Tibi was less than enthusiastic however, walking out on the address. They were angered when Mr. Harper rejected comparison between Israel and an apartheid nation. They became agitated when Harper spoke out against what hi called anti-Semitic criticism of Israel.

Some of the highlights from his address include;

“People who would never say they hate and blame the Jews for their own failings or the problems of the world instead declare their hatred of Israel and blame the only Jewish state for the problems of the Middle East,” he said.

“Some civil-society leaders today call for a boycott of Israel…. Most disgracefully of all, some openly call Israel an apartheid state. Think about that. Think about the twisted logic and outright malice behind that.

“A state, based on freedom, democracy and the rule of law, that was founded so Jews can flourish as Jews, and seek shelter from the shadow of the worst racist experiment in history,” he said.

“That is condemned, and that condemnation is masked in the language of anti-racism. It is nothing short of sickening.”

“But what else can we call criticism that selectively condemns only the Jewish state and effectively denies its right to defend itself while systematically ignoring – or excusing – the violence and oppression all around it?”

“This is the face of the new anti-Semitism. It targets the Jewish people by targeting Israel and attempts to make the old bigotry acceptable for a new generation.”

Regarding efforts to reach an agreement with the PA (Palestinian Authority), Harper added his country shares a sincere hope that the Palestinian people and their leaders will choose a democratic Palestinian state that lives peacefully alongside Israel.

“Sadly, we have yet to reach that point. But, when that day comes, and come it must, I can tell you that Israel may be the first to welcome a sovereign Palestinian state, but Canada will be right behind you.”

Regarding sanctions on Iran

The Canadian prime minister acknowledged Israel’s difficult position, condemned for defending itself and condemned if the government opts to remain placid and does not act.

“And that consequence will be final, your destruction”.

“Many of the hostile forces Israel faces are faced by all western nations.”

“And Israel faces them for many of the same reasons we face them. You just happen to be a lot closer to them.”

“It’s easier to scapegoat Israel than to emulate its success,”

“It is easier to foster resentment and hatred of Israel’s democracy than it is to provide the same rights and freedoms to their own people.”

“And should our hopes not be realized, should the present agreement prove ephemeral, Canada will be a strong voice for renewed sanctions,” he said.

‘Welcome to Israel, dear friend’

“Canada and Israel’s militaries also work together to share information and technology.

​”This has also been to our mutual benefit. For example, during Canada’s mission to Afghanistan, our use of Israeli-built reconnaissance equipment saved the lives of Canadian soldiers.”

Remarks from PM Netanyahu and PM Harper as Arab MKs shout and interrupt the visiting prime minister during his address.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)