Hello from Jerusalem - Update 27

28.1.07

As I rifled through the newspaper to compose my thoughts for this update, I couldn't help but be frustrated by the abundance of challenges – both external and internal – that the State of Israel faces every day and must overcome in order to maintain her stability and sustain herself in the Middle East. Fortunately, every day at work I am also reminded of the deep friendships between Israel and our loyal supporters abroad.

In addition to the generous support from the Canadian Jewish community, the Canadian government has proven to be a real partner and a true friend to both the State of Israel and of the Jewish people. The current administration, under the leadership of Stephen Hopper, has led this already close relationship to new heights. The recent visit of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Canadian Minister of Forgein Affairs, exemplified the strength of the relationship between our two communities.

During his visit, McKay met with Israel's top leadership, where he delivered a very clear message to our Prime Minister about the shared values and vision between our nations. At a reception I attended at the home of John Allen, Canada's ambassador to Israel, McKay succeeded in melting even our tough Israeli hearts, emphasizing the depth of Canada's commitment to Israel. "Canada and my government have been with you through thick and thin, and we intend to keep doing so." Through my regular interactions with the current Canadian administration and especially now, after meeting McKay personally, I can say that this was not just another cocktail party announcement, but a genuine promise.

McKay also impressed me and warmed the hears of thousands of supporters of UIAC and the Jewish Federations of Canada during his visit to Beit Canada, the famous Canadian Centre that serves as an island of peace, recreation, and sports – mostly hockey – at the northernmost part of Israel, an area that has seen the worst of this country's confrontations, fear, and bloodshed. Even the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who spent a grand total of three days in Israel, was exposed to the fragility of this region and impressed by the extent of UIAC and Canadian Jewish Federation support.

The same week that McKay visited the North, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made some of his most important announcements about Israel's intentions regarding Iran. "It is our right to complete freedom of action against the security threats posed by Iran. The Jewish people, who still bear the scars - physical and emotional - of the Holocaust, cannot afford to stand idly by when our very existence is under threat. In the past, the world kept silent, and the results of such inaction are well-known. It is our responsibility to prevent this grave mistake from repeating itself." This announcement marks the first time that the State of Israel - who obviously prefers a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear threat - stated loud and clear that if all our diplomatic attempts remain unheeded, we will be prepared to act.

Unfortunately, because of security realities in the region, the State of Israel is well-versed in responding to and dealing with military threats. As we realized yet again during the recent war with Lebanon, unless we continue to invest in enforcing our capabilities in Northern Israel, we will reduce our chances of winning the next war. We do not have the privilege of appearing weak, let alone losing a war.

Last week's events reminded, though, that we in Israel are by no means alone. In a world of nuclear capability, a threat to one nation's security is a threat to world security. At the same time, our communities have the capability to develop warm, personal connections of friendship and support that transcend our national boundaries – and we have. What gives me hope is that the cooperation between our communities is not limited to receptions or agreements between dignitaries, but is based upon strong interpersonal connections between people "on the ground."

As our governments focus on neutralizing the boding national threats, community leaders, families and concerned citizens on both sides are making sure we have a strong and viable social society, a society that no enemy will ever be able to destroy or remove from our land. We are here to stay, and we will work with our friends and partners abroad to make sure that Israel becomes – and remains – an island of innovation, knowledge and light, a true "or la'goyim" and a model of hope to all nations of the world.

yosi