Manitoba Politicians Defend Israeli Atrocities

A “Stand with Israel” rally organized by the Winnipeg Jewish Federation on January 8 was attended by half a dozen provincial and federal politicians from all three major parties, all of whom were eager to express their support for Israel’s actions.

Government MPs who attended included Treasury Board president Vic Toews and Kildonan St.-Paul MP Joy Smith.  Toews received a standing ovation from the crowd for his remarks, in which he declared “Defence of Israel is not a political choice for our government, it is a moral imperative.”

“We [the Conservative government] have also been clear that we believe Israel has a clear right to defend itself against the continued rocket attacks by Palestinian militant groups which have deliberately targeted civilians," Toews said. "Israel has the clear legal and moral right to defend its people. Our government has stood with Israel even when it has not been popular to do so, and we will continue to stand with Israel." 
"Israeli and Palestinian leaders must remain committed to finding a comprehensive peace settlement. We remain supportive of the Middle East peace process-having endorsed the process launched at Annapolis last year. We offer our complete support to the parties in reaching their goal of a comprehensive two-state solution," Toews said.
He also noted that Canada has "called for the international community to come together to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation."
Toews also said the Canadian government would contribute to the humanitarian crisis by donating $4 million in emergency aid, with $3 million going to meeting urgent needs such as food, shelter and medical materials and another $1 million going to the International Committee of the Red Cross. 

MP Joy Smith told the crowd that “under the Criminal Code of Canada, Hamas is listed as a terror organization,” and said that “Canada maintains that Hamas rocket attacks are the cause of the crisis.”

Winnipeg South Centre Liberal MP Anita Neville also attended.  Referencing Israel’s withdrawal of illegal settlements from the Gaza Strip in 2005, she concluded that “the current situation is therefore not about occupation.  It is about Hamas’ pursuit of their declared aim to destroy Israel.” 

“Despite the graphic images in the media, we know that Israel's intent is to target terrorists and spare civilians," she said.
The NDP was represented by two members of the Manitoba cabinet – Justice Minister Dave Chomiak and Water Stewardship minister Christine Melnick.  “The people of Israel have been forced to defend themselves on a daily basis,” since the creation of the state, Chomiak said.  “The enemy and the fear are terrorists who know no limits.”

Conservative MLA Heather Stefanson also attended.