The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, the anniversary of Israel’s Independence:

“This evening will mark the beginning of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, when the Jewish State was born 66 years ago. Every year on the 5th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, Jewish communities around the world come together to celebrate and commemorate the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel.

 

“I am proud that Canada was one of the first countries to formally recognize the State of Israel and was among the 33 countries that voted in favour of the United Nations resolution 181, which called for the creation of a Jewish state as part of the two-state solution.

 

“We are proud of our country’s strong relations with Israel, based on our common, fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. In January, our countries committed to stronger future relations with the signing of the Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, witnessed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

 

“Our Government is committed to standing up for Israel against those who seek to threaten her very existence. As Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in his historic address to the Knesset, “through fire and water Canada will stand with our great friend Israel.”

 “As Minister for Multiculturalism, I wish everyone celebrating the founding of this great nation a Yom Ha’atzmaut sameach!”

 

 

src:news.gc.ca