The Honourable Karina Gould  Minister of Democratic Institutions for Israel’s 71^st Independence Day

Thank you!

[Not sure whether an acknowledgement of First Nations territory is called for here, but I can provide as needed.]

It is an honour for me to join you for this celebration of Israel’s 71^st Independence Day. I would like to thank Consul General Galit Baram for the invitation and all of you for such a warm welcome.

Seventy years ago this week, Canada officially recognized the State of Israel, having previously voted in support of the country’s admission as a Member of the United Nations and endorsed the historic UN General Assembly Resolution 181.

In the seven decades since the nascence of the modern State of Israel, the bond between our countries has continued to grow stronger. Ours is a friendship built on shared values, bilateral collaboration and a commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

Canada is home to a vibrant Jewish community, the fourth-largest in the world. Meanwhile, some 35,000 Canadians call Israel home, with over 100,000 of us visiting your country as tourists each year.

Seven decades of partnership. Seven decades of Canadian support for Israel’s peace, security and stability.

Our countries have in recent years done much to bolster that relationship.

The multifaceted 2014 Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding on International Development Cooperation. The Canadian Armed Forces’ participation in a number of multinational missions that promote and preserve peace for Israel. Our recent co-sponsorship of the Ottawa Declaration for Venezuela and the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers.

And of course the signing, one year ago, of the landmark Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA).

Our support for Israel is steadfast.

That is also evident in Canada’s involvement with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

As the prime minister noted in his statement for International Holocaust Remembrance Day last January, “the Holocaust is a stark reminder of the dangers of hatred and discrimination, and the irreversible consequences of inaction and indifference.”

Last November, the Government of Canada acknowledged our country’s historical inaction and indifference, issuing a sincere apology for Canada’s failure to protect Jews during the Nazi era, and the horrific consequences of a shameful “none is too many” policy.

History teaches us much about the price of inaction. Yet, sadly, antisemitism is not confined to history.

Not abroad. Not in Canada.

In democratic societies around the world, these are trying times. We are seeing the rise of populist ideologies. We are seeing seeds of division sown. We are seeing increased hate, discrimination and acts of violence. We have seen hate-motivated killing in houses of worship.

Our world is at a critical juncture.

We know that Jewish People are more likely to be targeted for hate crimes in Canada than are any other religious group. We are aware that extremism is on the rise in Canada. We are wary of the shadowy online world that emboldens white supremacists and disseminators of hate.

Yet, we are united in our condemnation of such attempts to divide and incite. Canada will not permit racism and antisemitism to stain a country that prides itself on being diverse, inclusive and committed to equality.

Our bond will not be broken.

That is why Canada joined Israel, the United States and the European Union last September to launch the Global Campaign to Stop Antisemitism. That is why we joined forces with these same allies in 2016 to co-host a Global High Level Forum on Antisemitism at the United Nations.

That is why Public Safety’s Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program is working to protect places of worship, community centres and educational institutions vulnerable to hate-motivated crimes.

That is why Budget 2019 initiated important investments to support community-led projects and events that address racism and religious discrimination.

Canada will continue to stand with the Jewish community at home and abroad, and to call out antisemitism, hatred and racism in all its forms.

We will do so because we support our friends and allies.

We will do so because we reject hate and intolerance.

We will do so because it is the right thing to do.

Thank you.