May 22, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom and Head of Canada’s Delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, today issued the following statement:
“This evening marks the beginning of Solidarity Sabbath, a day on which Canada joins its global partners in demonstrating a unified response to the increasing anti-Semitism that continues to manifest itself. From violent attacks on Jewish businesses and synagogues to the mainstreaming of hateful rhetoric directed against Jewish communities, the world is witnessing a resurgent threat to the Jewish people and must not be silent in the face of it.
“I commend the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice for its work in organizing Solidarity Sabbath to combat anti-Semitism and intolerance while promoting freedom of religion globally.
“Canada remains committed to combatting anti-Semitism in all its forms and promoting tolerance around the world, including through the Office of Religious Freedom and Canada’s membership in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
“Canada is proud to join today with participating countries the world over to oppose hatred and bigotry and to reaffirm its support of the Jewish community. Canada will continue to be a global leader in confronting anti-Semitism and religious discrimination.”
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