Jewish Community Leadership Meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas

For Immediate Release

May 26, 2009

Ottawa, May 26, 2009 - Canada-Israel Committee National Chairman Moshe Ronen led a delegation of Jewish community leadership today in a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat.

Said Ronen: "It was an opportunity to get Abbas's perspective on the challenges facing Palestinians and Israelis as they try to advance the peace process."

Ronen added that the encounter also allowed the community to convey some of its concerns regarding the continued anti-Israel incitement in the Palestinian environment, much of it with anti-Semitic overtones. This toxic language has leeched into the Canadian street and university campuses.

Added Rabbi Reuben Poupko, co-chair of the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus: "Of particular concern has been the distrust and suspicion rooted in the perceived refusal to recognize the legitimacy of Israel as a Jewish state."

Mr. Abbas praised Canada's involvement in the region as a donor country and expressed particular appreciation for its role to help build the Palestinian justice system and security infrastructure.

Marc Gold, President of Federation-CJA of Montreal, expressed satisfaction that the Canadian Jewish community was able to re-enforce its support for ongoing dialogue based on a commitment to a two-state solution - two states for two peoples.

Eric Maldoff, Chairman of the Quebec-Israel Committee, concluded that all stakeholders in the region - and their counterparts in Canada – share a responsibility to foster and encourage voices of moderation to work toward a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict.

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For more information please contact:
Shimon Fogel CEO, Canada-Israel Committee, (613) 762-3657