Michael's Friday Frontline Message

Every so often, amid the constant din of life as a Canadian Jew, there are moments that cause you to pause, take a deep breath and rethink what’s happening to us in Canada and where it’s all heading. Sometimes positive, often not, such situations serve as an awakening. The emotional impact can be significant.

On the positive side, this past May’s UJA Federation Walk With Israel in Toronto would qualify. Some 50,000 Jews and our allies marching in common cause was a profound, powerful show of force for our community when we needed it most. It was also important for our fellow Canadians, especially the thousands of non-Jews who stood shoulder to shoulder with us that day, which has pride of place on the nice side of the ledger.

Unfortunately, that heartwarming scene is far from representing the full reality of Canada today. Earlier this week, out of the blue, I experienced one of these “earth-shakers” that, sadly, are becoming increasingly common. Here’s the scene: I was sitting in my office in Toronto with the TV tuned to CBC News Network when, suddenly, I see my former parliamentary colleague, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, step to the mic at a press conference at the Liberal Party caucus retreat in Nanaimo, BC. I unmuted the TV, curious about what was on tap.

The colour soon washed from my face as she proceeded to announce that Canada will halt the sale of weapons to Israel at a time the Jewish state is fighting an existential war, triggered by the deadliest attack on Israel in its history. I was stupefied by her gleeful and emphatic doubling-down on the fact that she would not only block Canadian arms shipments to Israel but also prevent the sale of Canadian parts to a third country for use in weapons to be sent to Israel. Let’s be clear. This amounts to an insidious attempt by Canada to impede Israel’s right and means to defend itself against enemies hell-bent on its destruction, as they’ve long openly demonstrated through their words and actions.

Minister Joly’s shocking announcement and the message it sends can also undermine weapons deliveries to Israel from other countries, including the US. It points to a degradation of the Canada-Israel relationship, a breaking apart of Ottawa’s longstanding pledge – which largely transcended political party lines – that Canada was a steadfast friend and ally of Israel.

Steadfast friends and allies don’t get in the way of a fellow democracy defending its citizens, especially after suffering one of the most vicious terrorist attacks in recent times. This latest announcement flies in the face of even this government's stated policies, turning them into mere lip service. It contradicts Ottawa’s statements about Israel’s right and duty to defend its people who – much of the world sadly forgets or dismisses – are currently being attacked on seven fronts, under the direction and support of arch-terrorist state Iran.

The policy just announced by Minister Joly is proof positive that the government has lost its way. As a former Liberal MP and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it deeply disturbs me, enrages me really, to see these words coming from our country's foreign minister. Just the latest in a series of sobering moments causing me to question what’s happening to us in Canada and where it’s all heading.

Shabbat Shalom,
Michael

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