Arutz Sheva: First-ever celebration of Jerusalem Day in Canadian Parliament

In celebration of the 56th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, the Canadian Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus (CPIAC) will host a Jerusalem Day event in the parliament for the first time in Canadian history.

Members of the caucus, stemming from a diverse range of political parties, will join Jewish and Christian leaders in the parliament for this event.

Chair of the caucus, MP Dr. Leslyn Lewis, a lawyer who was born in Jamaica and immigrated to Canada as a young child, spoke about the importance of the ties between Canada and Israel.

“Canada has a long and rich history of supporting and standing up for Israel, Lewis said. “At a time when antisemitism is on the rise, it is critical that Canadian parliamentarians, faith and Jewish community leaders stand together in their steadfast support of Israel.”

“This year marks 75 years of Israeli independence and another year of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Israel is a symbol of freedom, resilience and hope to millions who wish to see the peaceful coexistence of all peoples in Israel. On this 75th anniversary, Canadians join in celebration of this legacy of freedom, hope and peace.”

Israel’s Minister of Diaspora and Strategic Affairs Amichai Chikli highlighted the importance of the multi-partisan structure of the caucus.

“I look forward to celebrating Jerusalem Day in the Canadian Parliament with a broad range of political representatives. Through our diversity, we all share a common language in supporting Israel as the capital of the Jewish state,” he said.

The celebrations will continue on June 1st at the Canada Christian College with a cultural celebration of Jerusalem in the presence of 1,000 Jewish and Christian leaders.

Dr. Josh Reinstein, who serves as President of the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) which oversees the 52 parliamentary caucuses worldwide, noted that, “The reunification of Jerusalem was celebrated this year in the U.S and Guatemalan Congress, the Canadian Parliament and next week in the Czech Republic Senate, all due to the diligent efforts of the Israel Allies Caucuses there. Faith-based diplomacy in support for Israel is our most effective diplomatic tool.”

Read the article on Arutz Sheva here.