Key Takeaways:
- Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has summoned Israel’s ambassador to explain why a delegation of Canadian MPs was refused entry to the West Bank.
- The author believes that the visit was a publicity stunt meant to embarrass the Israeli government and deflect from efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
- The author argues that the Canadian government’s indifference to hostility towards the Canadian Jewish community puts them at risk of serious harm.
- The author expresses disappointment and outrage at Minister Anand’s lack of support for Israel and the Canadian Jewish community, despite their personal relationship.
Introduction to the Situation
The recent decision by Israel to refuse entry to a delegation of Canadian MPs has sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has summoned Israel’s ambassador to explain the reasons behind this decision. However, the author of this article believes that Minister Anand’s actions are misguided and fail to understand the underlying issues. The delegation, which included around 30 Canadians and six MPs, was ostensibly visiting the West Bank to meet with Palestinians. However, the author argues that this was merely a publicity stunt designed to embarrass the Israeli government and deflect from efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
The Right to Control Borders
The author points out that Israel, as a sovereign country, has the right to control its borders and decide who can enter. This is a fundamental principle of international law, and Israel’s decision to refuse entry to the Canadian delegation should be respected. The author believes that Minister Anand’s summons to the Israeli ambassador is an overreaction and fails to take into account the complexities of the situation. Furthermore, the author argues that the Canadian government’s continued indifference to the hostility and violence directed towards the Canadian Jewish community puts them at risk of serious harm.
The Link Between Anti-Israel Sentiment and Anti-Semitism
The author highlights the disturbing trend of anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Semitism, which often overlap. While it is possible to criticize the policies of the Israeli government without being anti-Semitic, the author argues that the Canadian government’s lack of support for Israel and its failure to protect the Canadian Jewish community are inextricably linked. When the government shows indifference to the plight of Canadian Jews, it gives aid and comfort to Israel’s enemies, and by corollary, when it fails to support Israel, it gives aid and comfort to those who hate Jews in Canada. This vicious cycle is exacerbated by the government’s lack of moral clarity on these issues.
Personal Experience and Disappointment
The author has a personal connection to Minister Anand, having served with her on an expert committee and later inviting her to join the board of a public company. The author had also provided advice to Minister Anand on various issues, including during her tenure as a government minister. However, when the author pleaded with Minister Anand to show moral clarity in support of Israel and to protect the Canadian Jewish community, they were met with silence. The author is deeply disappointed and saddened by Minister Anand’s lack of response and feels that their friendship has been compromised by her actions.
Moral Deficit and Lack of Understanding
The author believes that the Canadian government’s moral deficit in failing to protect the Canadian Jewish community and support Israel is deplorable and unforgivable. Minister Anand’s continued lack of understanding of the nexus between her government’s policies and actions (and inactions) with regard to Israel and the safety and security of the Canadian Jewish community is disturbingly naïve. The author argues that Minister Anand should reflect on how her government’s actions might reasonably cause both Israel and the Canadian Jewish community to disapprove of her government’s treatment of them. The author’s personal sadness and outrage at the situation are palpable, and they express a sense of betrayal and disappointment at Minister Anand’s failure to act.