Canadians and Israelis have more in common than you may know. Many of the values that Canadians cherish, including the importance of the family, democracy and human rights, are equally important to Israelis. Both countries are true democracies: every citizen over the age of 18 is entitled to vote in free and open elections. And, both Canadians and Israelis are free to express their dissenting political opinions through special interest groups, peaceful street demonstrations and political representatives.

Israelis, like Canadians, enjoy many of the advantages of living in a modern, technologically advanced democracy with one crucial exception: Israelis face the constant worry that their families and friends may be killed or injured in a random act of terrorist violence. That is why we need peace in the Middle East.

This pamphlet is designed to help answer some of the questions that Canadians frequently have about Israel and the conflict in the Middle East. You can also download The Real Israel: What Canadians Would Like To Know in PDF format.

Q. What is the relationship between Canada and Israel?

Q.Why is Israel building the security fence?

Q. Why doesn't Israel evacuate the West Bank settlements?

Q. Why is the peace process stalled?

Q. Why is Jerusalem the capital of Israel?

Q. Can Canadians criticize Israel without being anti-Semitic?

Q. What is the relationship between Canada and Israel?
A. Canada and Israel have shared a warm and special friendship for more than half a century. At the UN in 1947, Canada was one of the 33 countries that voted in favour of creating a Jewish homeland. Since then, relations have blossomed in many ways, anchored in mutual respect, shared commitment to democratic values, and common interests and understanding.

Canada and Israel have a number of economic agreements in place, which have produced some $3 billion per year in combined foreign direct investments for the two countries. These agreements also provide Canada with potential access to an enormous marketplace in a future Middle East at peace.

The two countries also have an agreement to share cultural and educational activities. For example, in late 2003, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem collaborated with Montreal's Pointe-à-Calliére Museum and the National Capital Region s Museum of Civilization to bring the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit to Canada. The museums enjoyed record crowds for the approximately 100 artifacts that had never before beenexhibited outside of Israel.

Top of Page »

Q. Why is Israel building the security fence?
A. In the same way the Canadian government has an obligation to protect its citizens from random violence, so too does the Israeli government have the obligation to protect its families and children from terrorism.

The route of the fence is being determined solely by security needs, and has no political purpose. The fence will not establish a border of any kind; the final border can only be determined through negotiations based on the international road map for peace.

Israel is sensitive to the inconveniences posed by the fence. Indeed, the route of the fence has been modified, as called for by Israel's Supreme Court, to reflect the necessary balance between the security of Israeli citizens and the welfare of Palestinians.

Most importantly, the fence is reversible. The Israeli lives ended by terror are not. By helping take terrorism out of the equation, the fence contributes to the prospect of a return to negotiations and the realization of the road map's vision of peace.

Top of Page »

Q. Why doesn't Israel evacuate the West Bank settlements?
A. Like healthcare in Canada, Jewish settlements in the West Bank are a contentious issue in Israel. Some Israelis firmly believe that Jews have a right to live in places which have, ever since Biblical times, been central to their heritage. Others are prepared to give up these areas in exchange for peace.

Fortunately, like Canadians, Israelis have the freedom to voice various political opinions without fear of government reprisal. Israel, like Canada, is a country built on respect for the rule of law and the democratic process. When the public debate is done and the final policy position on settlements is determined and implemented, this policy will be respected by all Israelis.

Israel left parts of the West Bank as a means of enhancing security and establishing a new, more promising platform for a return to negotiations.

Top of Page »

Q. Why is the peace process stalled?
A. Terrorism is the key impediment to realizing the dream of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Combating terror is crucial to the prospects for peace in the region. No peace initiative can survive if terrorists continue to enjoy a free hand to undermine it.

The internationally sponsored road map for peace recognizes this. The plan's first priority is sustained action against terror, the dismantling of terrorist organizations, and the end of incitement in schools and the media. Israel accepted the road map in May 2003, and remains committed to its realization.

The Israeli government has also stated publicly that it is ready to talk to any one who comes to the table having abandoned terror, and with the genuine commitment to find mutually acceptable compromises to advance the goal of peace.

Top of Page »

Q. Why is Jerusalem the capital of Israel?
A. Israel recognizes the significance of Jerusalem to the three monotheistic religions of the world. It is for this reason that special measures are in place to ensure that people of all faiths have full access to the holy sites in the city.

For Muslims, there is Haram al-Sharif, the third most holy shrine in Islam, and the Dome of the Rock. For Christians, the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulcher are of special significance. But only for Judaism is Jerusalem essential. Jews see the Western Wall and the Temple Mount as the most sacred sites of their religion. More than specific sites associated with important historical and religious events, it is the city itself that is central to the Jewish people. Jerusalem is – and has always been – the national, historical and spiritual centre of the Jews.

But Jerusalem's population, like Canada's population, is made up of many ethnic communities. So, like Canada, Israel is committed to protecting the heritages and rights of all its faith communities.

Top of Page »

Q. Can Canadians criticize Israel without being anti-Semitic?
A. Israel, like any other democratic state, is open to reasonable criticism. In fact, exploiting the high value that Israelis place on the freedom of expression, the Israeli media is often very critical of government policies.

However, what Israelis, their international supporters and other people of conscience cannot abide is criticism of the Jewish state that does not distinguish between specific government policies and the character of the state itself, or that seeks to dehumanize Israelis or de-legitimize Israel ideologically and religiously.

As Canadians, we must distinguish between legitimate debate about specific Israeli policies, and racist actions such as the desecration of Jewish cemeteries or the firebombing of synagogues. It is in the national interest of Canada, as one of the most tolerant and multicultural nations in the world, to combat all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism.

Top of Page »