Private Gift of Medical Supplies to the Palestinian Red Crescent Arranged by Canadian Jewry

For Immediate Release

Feb. 10, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario

In a meeting today with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Canada's Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew announced an unprecedented private gift of $750,000 worth of medical supplies to the Palestinian people, arranged via the Jewish community of Canada.

This private gift is being sent to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in partnership with the Government of Canada. All of the medical supplies purchased will go to the Mohammed Ali Al-Mohtasseb Hospital in Hebron, which is owned by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The donation is being undertaken with the full cooperation and endorsement of the Government of Israel and is directed specifically for children.

Marc Gold, National Chair of the Canada-Israel Committee, who is currently in Israel along with Minister Pettigrew, made the following remarks: "I am very pleased to be able to announce this significant humanitarian gift and confidence-building gesture supported by the organized Jewish community of Canada. I particularly want to acknowledge the leadership role played by Mr. Walter Arbib of Toronto who privately funded this initiative. It constitutes an abiding statement of hope at this critical time of opportunity in the Middle East.

"This type of creative partnering, towards enhancing the quality of life for the Palestinian people, is in direct response to the practical goals set forth by Minister Pettigrew in his meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials. The CIC looks forward to working with the Canadian government towards making a meaningful contribution in the search for lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis."

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For further information:
Shimon Fogel, CEO
Canada-Israel Committee
613-762-3657

Marc Gold
Chair
Canada-Israel Committee
514-237-0513