On April 14, 2021 Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a videotaped message on the occasion of Israel’s Independence Day (posted by B’nai Brith Canada):
It’s great to be with you all to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day. I know this year is a little different and that virtual celebrations are not the same as marching downtown or celebrating at placid Canada in Montreal. But I’m still glad we can be together to celebrate this important day… [segment in French] Canada will continue to stand proudly with Israel when it’s unfairly singled out on the world stage, and we will continue to condemn BDS [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions] and any movement that attacks our Israeli friends, Jewish Canadians and the values we share. Today is also a time for us to recognize the many ways in which Jewish Canadians contribute to communities across our country. Throughout Canada in every type of profession from sports to arts to law and business Jewish Canadians make their mark. That includes Canadian politicians like Liberal MPs Anthony Housefather and Rachel Bendayan who represent two of our Montreal ridings. And as we continue to deal with the impacts of Covid-19 many are on the front lines helping their communities and our country. Unfortunately we’re seeing a rise in antisemitism and hate around the world, and Canada is not immune. But let me be clear. Attacks against the Jewish community are attacks against us all, and it is all of our duty to speak out and stand against antisemitism, discrimination and hatred in all its forms. That’s why our government adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s [IHRA] definition of antisemitism as a part of our anti-racism strategy. That’s why we’re bringing forward legislation on online hate, and that’s why we recently appointed Irwin Cotler as Canada’s special envoy on preserving Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism… [segment in French] Ensemble I hope everyone has a joyous day today. Yom Ha’Atzmaut Sameach