Toronto (June 21, 2018) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center(FSWC) welcomes the federal NDP’s decision to not withdraw from theCanada-Israel Interparliamentary Group despite pressure from party members.

The decision comes after 200 NDP members and activists addedtheir names to an open letter urging NDP MPs to leave the group, whose statedobjective is to further cooperation between Canada and Israel.

“It is pleasing to see the NDP recognizing theimportance of building and maintaining a positive relationship with Israel,”said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. “Leaving the group would send adivisive message and damage any opportunities for constructive discussionsregarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.”