TORONTO, April 28, 2009 – B’nai Brith Canada has called on the Canadian public to join with Jewish communities across the country to celebrate Israel’s 61st anniversary, which begins this evening.

“We are delighted to be celebrating the Jewish State’s 61st independence anniversary and so proud of its many diverse accomplishments,” said Frank Dimant, B’nai Brith Canada’s Executive Vice President who is currently in Israel and who will be participating in the country’s many festivities. “We are also mindful, that even at this very moment, more than sixty years since Israel’s creation, there are those who continue to seek its destruction.

“In recent months we have experienced first hand the taking root on many college and university campuses of a campaign of hatred that has as its goal the delegitimization of Israel. We have seen the tremendous anti-Israel animosity at the union level, which is single mindedly pursuing a campaign of boycott and sanctions against Israel. We have also witnessed this venomous hatred of Israel on the global stage, most recently in the form of Durban II.

“As we celebrate Israel’s birthday, we are grateful to Canada, Israel’s strong ally and supporter, which was the first country to withdraw its participation from Durban II. We are appreciative of the support from Israel’s many friends and allies worldwide who continue to stand with democratic Israel as it defends its citizens against Hamas and Hezbollah terrorism.

“We call on Canadians of good will of all backgrounds and nationalities to join us in congratulating Israel for its defense of terrorism, its promotion of democracy and human rights, and its continued resolve to pursue a just and lasting peace in the region.”

B’nai Brith Canada has been active in Canada since 1875 as the Jewish community’s foremost human rights agency