v.: Ethnic Press Sectio Canadian Cltizenshl 613, 2a Canadian oitlzen8hl]|3ranch The Mood WBimtm senate and anti-hAte bill ' BY BEVERLEY MORIN GIN Parliamentary Reporter -' - •....................................................................................................- ■ - - • ■■■■■^■-■.v.^^■.v.^v.v.-.^-.-.■.v.v.v.■.^■■-.■.■,v^;■ As the Senate prepares for its holiday recess, ,The Canadian Jewish News Parliamentary reporter hi Ottawa summarizes the position of leadfaig Senators as they expressed it during the debate on the anti-hate Bill. * Ottawa (S^ial) - Senator Arthur W. Roebuck, government leader moving the second reading of BiU S-49, to amend the Criminal Code (with respect to hate propaganda) said that while there is little danger at the moment in Canada of race relations developing into a dangerous state, one should be prepared. He claimed there was no prohibition in law against the "poisonous appeal" of purveyors of hate. Pointing out that the Criminal Code was developed in a period of slower communications and far before the Nazis, he contended that both radio and TV regulations are more stringent against such matters than is the law. Summarizing the fight for anti-hate legislation started by James Walker (Lib-York Centre) and Milton Klein (Lib-Montreal-Cartier) Sen, Roebuck discussed the provisions of the proposed bill and argued in their favor. He said that the considerable study given the problem and the wording of the suggested legislation by Professor Maxwell Cohen, Dean of the Faculty of Law, McGill University and his committee was a telling point. He finished by congratulating the Government on the production of the bill and recommended its passage by the Senate. * Senator Edgar Foumier (PC-Ma dawaska-Resti-gouche) endorsed Sen. Roebuck's speech and drew attention to harm caused by certain types of cartoons intended to destroy individuals or groups. * .Senator Daniel A. lang (:-Toronto) ejqpressed concern, as a lawyer, at the "difficulty any legislature faced "in attempting to codify and define an offence as nebulous as the one contemplated in the act" He said that the proposed legislation "is to ensure a very basic freedom and to try to put into statutory form a freedom that. . . is now implicit in our constitution and in our way of life in Canada." SuggiBsting that "what may or may not lead to a breach of the peace is almost a subjective determination" he objected to the 2nd sub-section, saying that "the onus is shifted to the accused to prove that the statements communicated were true., or relevant to any subject of public interest and that, on reasonable grounds he be-lived them to be true.." * Senator David Walker (PC-Toronto) spoke of the vastly improved situation in Canada today with regard to discrimination, asking why such a bill should now be introduced "knowing... that there are a few crackpots who have been very successfully kept under control by the present provisions of the Criminal Code?' Saying that groups are made up of persons, he contended fliat the Code is sufficient to deal with offences in connection with hate propaganda. Arguing that "identifiable groups" could be extended to cover almost any classification, he claimed that "the legislation is so radically drawn that in unscrupulous or ignorant hands it can be used as ' an instrument of tyranny" and suggested it be withdrawn. * Senator Eric Cook (L- St John's, Nfid) considered that "now is the time to improve and strengthen the law, so that if a real need ever arises, the statute law wiU be adequate..." He felt the bUl "can afford great protection to the victims of wicked persons who should be stopped and punished before they become a threat to our...way of life." * Senator Norman A. Mac-Kenzie Ond.—Vancouver) said that he has an equal repugnance for discrimination of any kind and punitive legislation that interferes with freedom. He urged that the bill go to a committee to be debated fully. * Senator David CroU (L-Toronto - Spadina) referred to the time when he, then in the House of Commons, introduced a bill of rights each session, as did Mr. Diefenbaker, then a private member, and Mr. M, J. Cold-well, leader of the NDP in those days. For years these bills were considered useless, except by their sponsors and a few supporters, though once the Bill of Rights was passed (under the Diefenbaker regime) it was hailed by everyone. '. Arguing that Canada is a mosaic rather than a melting pot. Sen. Croll said "anything that weakens or endangers that love or allegiance (for Canada) .... weakens our nationhood." He claimed that "the Human Rights Commission in On- tario has revolutionized thlnkine on a social and economic problem that had faced us for generations." Sen. Croll said that the warped minds of hate merchants do not attack individuals because of the laws of libel and slander, but are free to vilify groups. "Hate is a corrosive force," he said and one that "starts a chain reaction which can only end by invading every sector of our society..." He said that the British Race Relations Bill had not curtailed fireedom in that country, that the proposed Canadian legislation would only benefit us by discouraging hatemongers. More, it proclaimed a moral value and the government's support of it In conclusion he said the bill should be carefully studied before adoption, which he urged. * Senator Jean-Francois Pouliot (L-de la Durantaye) said that as most of the hate propaganda considered in the Cohen Report came from the United States that there is no reason for the legislation presently being considered. * Senator OrvilleH.PhilUps (PC-Prince, P.E.1.) said "It is impossible to completely outlaw cracIq)ots of this nature." He prefers that, If they are going to distribute such material it be published under a letterhead and signed by the author. Otherwise "the organizations will be driven underground." He felt that considerable study was necessary in order to improve the bill. Continued on Page 8 Friday, December 16th, ]966 THIRD DAY OR TEVET 5727 SIDRAH: VAYIGASH ~~~CANDLE LIGHTING Toronto: 4:23 Montreal: 3:52 THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS CANADA'S NATIONAL-JEWISH NEWSPAPER Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office Deportment, Ottawa, and (or payment of postage in cash. • LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY JEWISH NEWSPAPER IN CANADA • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16TH, 1966. By iV,. J. Nurcnbergor A NEW KOSYGIN There are several interpretations of the meaning 01 the statement maae by Soviet Premier Aiexei Kosygin when he was tne guest ot Hresia-ent De Gaulie last weeK m Paris, i reler to tfte Premier's declaration on tne Jewisn proolem in Russia. Speaking to the press, the Soviet leader stressed the following points: • Every "nationality" in the USSR teels quite at home, and that goes tor the Jews. • There is no discrimination in the Soviet Union on grounds of race or nationality. In fact, no other country in the world can boast such a record. Then, discussing the problem of the Arabs and Jews, Mr. Kosygm saia he would not encourage a conference Detween the nations of tne Middle East "in the spirit of Tashkent' (as between India and Pakistan) because "there can be such conference only when both belligerents agree on such a meeting." Now follows the most important point on the possibility of allowing Jews to leave the Soviet Union: "if there are Jewish families in the Soviet Union who wish to join relatives abroad, they are free to leave.' One opinion about these declarations is, they constitute a typical manifestation of Soviet cynicism. For mstance, Mr. Kosygin spoke oi Jews as a "nationality" — which they are, according to the Soviet constitution: a distinct ethnic group. Thus, while this nationality had the right to its distinct cultural institutions m the past — schools, press, piiblishing houses, theatres — all this was liquidated in the Stalin era anfi none of it rescuscitated in the following years of The Thaw. According to this critical evaluation, Mr. Kosygin also very adroitly ignored the religious problem of the Jewish community as he completely omitted to mention that the Jews constitute a religious group, thus entitling them to facilities accorded different cults. ***** Still I tend to agree with some observations of the second school of thought concerning Kosygin's assertions, the school that follows the cautious, diplomatic line regarding the Soviet Jewish problem. Whether or not we accept Mr. Kosygin's cliche professions of equality — of course, we know how untrue some of them are fundamentally — I cannot go along with those who demonstrate publicly against the Soviet policy vis-a-vis Jews. For the present problem of the Jewish community in the Soviet Union is one of spuritual survival; technically the Soviet leader is correct when he says ims are treated as equals in areas other than spiritual. There definitely is an antisemitism which has survived among the older generation, especially in the Ukraine, but also apparent is the fact that Jews have mtegrated into the economy of Russia. Therefore this specific problem of influencing the Soviet ruler to accord the Jews the license to be Jews must be handled with utmost tact for one deals here with one of the most powerful regimes oh earth. The traditional Jewish organizations, in fact, are opposed completely to public demonstrations regarding Russia. One expert on Soviet Jewish affairs, a man deeply steeped in Russian culture, is averse to antagonize the Soviet rulers on this issue. Furthermore the significant statement — allowmg Jews to joifl relatives abroad — is in full conformity with a policy this newspaper has propagated for a long time. No matter the degree of sinceirity in Kosygin's promise to allovir Jews to leave the Soviet Union, it nevertheless is the first breach in the wajUand^should be pursued with extreme care and/finesse. For-one must remember constantly that the destinyof Ihree million Jews is dependent upon this policy. ) Concerning the Soviet Premier's declaration about Israel, it is here that the discrepancy and absoliite avoidance of the basic issue are clear. , Soviet Russia is hot an innocent bystander in tiie Near East conflict. Thus, We mu^ not tire explainjjig tojhe Russiahs that neither the Jevvish After The Opper Rulim SWASnKAAPPEARS Jewish Buildings Daubed In Toronto And Winnipeg WILL THEY DISCUSS CANADA ROLE United Natioris are Foreign Minister Ebon, now Minister Pearson on Israel-Arab problem. IN.MIDEAST?-Rumours at the in New York, will see Prime (Exclusive report to The Canadian Jewish News) Last week's ruling by Toronto magistrate, Charles Opper, who in defense of fundamental freedom of speech declared null and void a city decision to forbid self-proclaimed Nazi leader William Beattie to use the parks for dissemination of bigotry, has been interpreted from coast to coast by freedom loving Canadians as an encoiiragement to press for a federal law against hatemongering. The eminent jurist, a Arm believer in freedom of speech, stressed in his verdict the poisonous character of Beattie's neo-Nazi propaganda V. S. Official Statement WASHINGTON COMMITfED TO ISRAELI SECURITY New York, (CJN). - The American - Vice President Hubert Humphrey declared Saturday night the United States "will energetically oi^se agression'' that would threaten the peace in the Middle East In the same address before the annual conference of the United Jewish Appeal he declared the Administration remained committed to the integrity of Israel as a "free and independent state" as part of the objective of maintaining peace in that part of the world. The United States, Mr. Humphrey said, recognizes the "great potential for conflict which exists in the Middle EastT', adding that "our policy is umnistalaibly clear". He stressed the Government's opposition to any aggression there, and the safeguarding of IsraeL Mr. Humphrey's assurances are signiQcant because of their timing. They come after the sharp censure of Israel in the United Nations because of, the attack on the Jordanian village of Es Samu on Nov. 3 in retaliation for terrorists raids. The United States supported this censure. Sharing the platform with Mr. Humphrey, Abba Eban, Israeli Foreign Minister stated it was imperative for all governments in the Middle East - Israel, Jordan, The United Arab Republic, Siyria and Lebanon — "to agree to respect each otter's rights to sovereignty, peace and immunity Crom attack." "This applies to the relations between the Arab states and Israel and also to the Arab states with each other", Mr. Eban said. Mr. Eban, in his address, said the immediate alternatives in the Middle East "are, not war or peace". He re- marked that the "two least likely things to happen in the near future are Qnal peace or general war." B. G. Says: ZIONIST MOVEMENT IS "UNQUAUHH)' TEL AVIV — The country which sent the most immigrants to Israel last month was the United States ~ which is not to say that its immigration figures are high, but rather that aliya from other sources has dropped considerably. David Ben-Gurion told an assembly of 500 Wizo women. The second largest immigration in October came flrom a European country and the third firom India, Mr. Ben-Guilon reported. Mr. Ben-Gurion suggested that the job of attracting immigrants from the tree West be taken out of the hands of the World Zionist Organization which, he said, has proven "unqualified" for the task. North Americans, he said, do not want to hear Zionist emissaries telling them "what is the difference between Mapam and Ahdut Ha'avoda." Instead, the speaker proposed that the emissaries sent to attract immigration should be "the best of Israel's people", and not representatives of Zionist I>ar-ties.T%ey should appeal' to the idealism of American Jewish intellectual youtii, the idealism ttiat makes them active in the Peace Corps and in the fight for Negro civil rights. This approach would bring "tens of ttiou-sands" of young people to Israel fTom the U.S. — and also large numbers from Canada, Latin America and Britain ~ Mr. Ben-Gurion declared. ISSUES APPEAL TO COMMUNITY.-Max Schecter, general chairman of the Greater Toronto Committee for State of Israel Bonds, this week urged Toronto Jewry to redouble its efforts for State of Israel Bonds in view of the present emergency. He announced the forthcoming international Bond Conference which will be held in February in Miami. The closing dinner there will be climaxed on March 4th by the presence of former Israeli premier, David Ben Gurion. At that time, Shecter stated, Toronto hopes to announce that the $2 million goal for the sale of Bonds has been reached. and declared that action for the cuiiiiiment of such outrage must be based on a federal law. As such amendment to the Criminal Code is now before the Senate, several organizations have decided to ask the Senators to speed up procedure so that the plague of neo-Nazism in this country can be dealt with effectively and legally. While m general Judge Opper's decision is considered a challenge to the forces demanding a federal anti-hatred law, Nazi agents here and the scum foUovmg them have found in the Judge's decision a license to go ahead with their Hitlerite excesses. Swastikas have appeared in the last few days -on different buildings in metropolitan Toronto. . This neo-Nazi movement, obviously nationally and internationally organized, also has become active in Winnipeg where Jewish community buildings were daubed with a swastika and antisemitic slogans. The Jewish community of Winnipeg officially has declared its concern and demanded action. Organizations representing different groups of citizens irrespective of religious or ethnic background are determined to press for the immediate passage of the anti-Nazi amendments to the Criminal Law now before the Senate. Experts on international law told The Canadian Jevdsh News that countries of such various backgroimds like, for example, India, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, France, Great Britain and West Germany do have laws against the dissemination of race hatred. In Denmark, if rumors against any group of citizens are published in print, the disseminators can be punished up to one year in prison. The West German law calls for imprisonment of not less than three months in such cases. The French courts declared that "the mere purpose of inciting to hatred is enough to characterize the offence" and calls for punishment. In Italy, any person who publicly engages in activities characteristic of the Fascist Party is punished by imprisonment and an additional fine. Similar laws exist in many countries. Thus those representing the cu-cles pressing for an anti-hate law state that an adoption of the amendment now before the Senate would be similar to existing protective measures in the most democratic countries in the world. Bigots must be dealt with the only way they understand, a member of the Federal Parliament told The Canadian Jewish News. We should not lose time because efforts are being made by the neo-Nazi underground to poison the atmosphere. Turkey Refuses To Join Anti-Israeli Alliance TUNIS - President Cev-det Sunay of Turkey has refused to subscribe to Arab egressions of hostility towards Israel, while voicing his country's sympathy for the Arabs of Palestine. Mr. Sunay left for home after a five-day State visit to Tunisia during which he conferred witii President Habib Bourguiba on topical international problems and bilateral relation?. U. N. To Strengthen Isroel-Arab Border Encycopedia Editor Here JEHOSHUA HUTNER.l famous Jerusalem editor of the' first Talmudic Encyclopedia RABBI _ Scholar and _____________________ in history'arrived'here this.week as (guest of the "Rabbi Jacob Gordon Memorial Fund". Up'onyhis arrival, at Malton Airport, Dr. Hutner declared that Volume XII of the Talmudic Encyclopedia wilt appecjr in March, in the Holy City. This volume has .been :spons.ibred by the Toronto Jewish .Com- New York, (JONS) Recommendations to make the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation on the Israel-Arab borders a more effective instrument for avoiding armed conflict jn flie area, havebeenmadebyU.N. Secretary-General, U;ThanL Theit>rinust,;h6"said, be ' full coToperatipn ,from both . sictes by extehduig toUNTSO ties should make it possible for UNTSO observers_to get in touch with responsible auttorities at^jny-time^^day or ni^^bdth sides should agree/TO the deployment ^f •UNTSp mobile observation postsh "in sensitive sectors or^^wherever it may be apiarent^that a UNTSO presence might >vert military confrontation;" that UNTSO and ttie Arab States should agree; to a wider employment of UNTSO experts in investigations, including trackers with dogs, surveyors, demolition and ejqplo-siyes specialists and interpreters for both the Arabic aind Hebrew, languages. U. Thantxalso suggested tiiat having a helicopiferavailable and; a speedboat station-. w , w ■. • . IT c - - _____'___•>_______t.~v.i,iuv, be given every opporturalyed on LlakeTite^ people nor other friends of Israel can rema^^""4^» a_ Memonal,;fo_tho late Toro.^ Spiritual Leader v. full freedom of liiovement in ■ fbr getting to the scene of an no douM^ grcatiy facilitate Silent ■ when tWs^W^^^^ quickly as the cond^fiUof Ul^SO^i^^ Chauvmi^m and belligerence. . :^llferd;Gdrdpn q.CI and MorrisJCaufma.,.;^ : possible and that both Israel vvestigationf ^ A.- .■:.-V NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT.-Dr.Natfi(m N. Levinne, promipent member .of /Toronto's Beth ,J-zedec Synagogue, Canada's Idrgest Conservatiye house of worship, who has been elected its president at q.recently held meeting. (For election details, see Toronto Synagogue News.) ■'[:yy-'i^ Ml 11: