Broad spectrum of Canadian leaders speak out against Palestine State Recognition

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plan to recognize a State of Palestine in the fall is “dangerous and highly premature,” according to an open letter by B’nai Brith Canada and a coalition of prominent Canadians.

The letter, sent to Mr. Carney last month, questions why Canada would trust the Palestinian Authority (PA) to honour its commitments to reform and demilitarize as part of the planned recognition process.

“Canada should know, from experience, not to treat the PA as a legitimate state actor,” the letter says. “[The PA] has offered similar rhetorical concessions in the past – few, if any, have come to fruition.”

The Federal Government plans to recognize a State of Palestine during the United Nations (UN) 80^th General Assembly in September.

“Under existing circumstances, recognizing Palestine would be interpreted as a reward for terrorism and authoritarian rule. It is also troubling that such a monumental decision would be undertaken while Parliament is not in session.”

B’nai Brith Canada states that “in conjunction with leaders from diverse segments of our country’s cultural mosaic, we will continue to urge the Government to change course and work towards real change and lasting peace in the Middle East.”

MP Anthony Housefather clarified his position in a recent statement. He stated: “Canada and Israel have been close friends since Israel’s creation. This relationship is strong and enduring, transcending whichever governments are in place in either country at any given time. I have always supported a two-state solution, and achieving one remains the objective of the Prime Minister and the Canadian government. Two peoples – Israelis and Palestinians – living side by side in security is the only path to long-term peace in the Middle East. It is also the only way for Israel to remain both a Jewish and democratic state.

“I have been deeply disappointed by statements from Israeli government ministers rejecting a two-state solution and proposing annexation of the West Bank and Gaza, among other concerning positions.

“However, we cannot forget that Hamas began this conflict, slaughtering over 1,200 people, injuring many more, and committing atrocities on October 7, 2023. Eight Canadians — including Alex Look from my own riding – were murdered by Hamas. Alex died a hero, protecting others. Hamas bears the largest share of responsibility for a two-state solution being impossible to implement, given its rejection of the State of Israel’s right to exist and its founding charter, which calls for the murder of Jews worldwide.

“As such, I feel very strongly that, among other conditions, any recognition of a Palestinian state must be entirely contingent on Hamas laying down its arms, surrendering, and no longer being in power in Gaza. Recognition must also depend on the release of all living hostages held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, as well as the return of the remains of those who were murdered. I also believe that recognition should be contingent on the future Palestinian state recognizing Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state in peace and security. President Abbas has a long history of incitement against Israel, and he must now publicly declare, in both English and Arabic, that he supports Israel’s right to exist. He must also take concrete steps to meet the predicates set out in our government’s statement.

“Palestine must be demilitarized, and free and fair elections must be held under international supervision. No terrorist group, including Hamas, should be allowed to participate. We have had direct conversations, and I know the Prime Minister shares my concerns. That is why the issues I have raised were included as predicates in the government’s statement. I believe any recognition must be conditional on these requirements being met, and I will continue to work with like-minded colleagues to ensure that this approach is pursued by the government.”