Canadian unity is preoccupying
We must renew our efforts in fighting for national unity.
GOLDIE HERSON SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
As we look toward the new year 5757, many challenges appear on the Jewish agenda: the fight against anti-Semitism and racism nationally and abroad; the prosecution, denaturalization and deportation of suspected Nazi war criminals still living in Canada; the promotion of national unity; advocacy on key national social policy and equity issues; Jewish continuity; and, of course, support for the state and people of Israel.
Among these issues, most are common to Diaspora communities. But one is not. The issue of Quebec separation and Canadian unity is preoccupying Canadians these days and the organized Jewish community is no different, particularly in Quebec where Canadian Jewish Congress' national headquarters is
Goldie Hershon is national
president of Canadian Jewish Congress.
located. The referendum on sovereignty last fall was too close for comfort and the narrow margin of victory means that we must overcome any sense of fatigue and renew our efforts in fighting for national unity.
To support national unity we must speak repeatedly about the benefits of being Canadian. Canada is one of the greatest countries in the world. Unfortunately, separatists would choose to divide our nation. As Jews, we benefit from a strong Canada.
Meanwhile, the fight against anti-Semitism and racism remains a human rights issue. From groups like the Heritage Front to neo-Nazis in our own Canadian military, these remain sources of concern. Wliile hate is spread in many different ways, we now must pay close attention to the Internet and the likes of Ernst Zundel polluting cyberspace with his views.
The pursuit of suspected Nazi war criminals in our country is not getting any easier. Time con-
tinues to run out and our judicial system has proven to be a serious deterrent, letting men with blood on their hands free, in some cases because of procedural issues. We can't let up the pressure on our federal government.
In the Middle East, we pray the search for peace will continue, allowing Israel to flourish in an atmosphere of harmony and shalom. May the Jewish homeland go from strength to strength.
It is not our role to advise the Israeli government how to conduct its affairs. Wliile wo support peace, it is clear the Israeli government, like any other in the world, has as its first responsibility the protection of the lives of its citizens, its way of life and its territflrial integrity.
As we go to synagogue during the High Holy Days, let us all pray for a year of goodwill and coalition building between communities. We must all work together in making this a bettor world in which to live. 11
Rosh Haslianah greetings from tlie PM
Editor:
I would like to extend to the world family of Keren Hayesod my sincere greetings on this Rosh Hashanah 5757.
The new year is traditionally a time for taking inventory, for seeing where one stands. Keren Hayesod can be proud of its contribution to our people throughout the world. It has been a central element in the effort to bring Jews home from the four comers of the earth and to aid in Israel's development. During the organization's 76-year history, almost three million Jews have immigrated to the Land of Israel, benefiting from Keren Hayesod's efforts. Immigrants have helped build
our country and they will continue to play a central role in our development. We need their talents. The massive wave of aliyah from the former Soviet Union that began in 1989, more than 650,000 strong, has already had a very significant impact on this country. They can be found in every university's professorial ranks, in every hospital's medical staff, among the country's top engineers, musicians and artists, as well as within the government itself That aliyah's impact will become even greater with time.
As we liberalize Israel's economy, Israel will become economically stronger and more self-sufBcent. However, the tens-of-thousands of immigrants who continue to arrive on our shores, and the hundreds-of-thousands of potential immigrants abroad who are preparing themselves for aliyah, are not yet self-sufi-icent. Keren Hayesod, in partnership with the State of Israel, will help them to find their place
and make their mark on Israeli society.
My thanks for your efforts and my best wishes for a year of peace, prosperity and security for us all.
Bei\jamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of Israel
Food banl( appeal
Editor:
With the High Holidays here, we once again appeal to your readers for donations of either food and/or money for the Jewish Food Bank. Unfortunately, the number of families we currently service is growing close to 300. This amounts to more than 200 children.
Presently, many young families are being allowed to come to Canada directly from Russia. These people need the community's support until they learn our language and are able to ap-
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Quotes from media around the world and at liome. "T
I he turban provides equal, if not greater, safety protection. It's 25 feet ofcioth wrni^ped around a person's head."
-Anne JjMvthian of the World Sikh Organization argues Sikhs should be exempt from B.C. 's new bicycle helmet law.
"I ,
I don't believe that the Disney executive board sits down to figure out how to get the Ar;ibs. However, there may be a tacit agreement among some supporters of Israel, who believe that by vilifying Arabs they help Israel."
" - Don Buslany of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee explains charges his group has made against Disney movies Kazaam and Father of the Bride, Part 11.
Wfe have a prime minister who owes his preniieishij) to the ultra-Orthodox."
- Oman Yckutieli, head of the left-wing Meretz faction in Jerusalem, believes Binyamin Netanyahu will do anything to accommodate the local haredi community.
wish to emigrate is the only thing that binds them to Jew-
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-David Vaiserman, for the town of Birobidzhan, Russia, which has seen its Jewish population disappear as they, and anyone else who can claim Jewish ancestry, leave for Israel.
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