Open letter to PM urges reversal in Canada's Palestinian statehood pledge

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OTTAWA — Prominent Canadians have signed onto an initiative opposing Canada’s contentious plan to recognize a Palestinian state.

The letter, written by B’nai Brith Canada and signed by 60 community, business and faith leaders, urges Prime Minister Mark Carney to reverse course on the plan the signees describe as dangerous and premature.

“Though the hasty recognition of a Palestinian state may appease some on Canada’s political fringes, it is beyond the pale that such a serious reversal in Canadian foreign policy has been made at a time when Parliament is not in session,” the letter reads.

“The Canadian public must have a say in matters that impact the direction of our country. It is an affront to our democracy to have such a significant decision be made unilaterally. There should have been an opportunity for such a policy to be questioned and explained in Parliament.”

In July, Carney announced Canada would officially recognize a sovereign state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly next month — under certain conditions that include implementation of promised reforms by Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, a demilitarization of the Palestinian state, and free elections in 2026 of which Hamas can play no part.

“Canada should know, from experience, not to treat the PA as a legitimate state actor,” the letter continues.

“It has offered similar rhetorical concession in the past — few, if any, have ever come to fruition.”

Richard Robertson, director of research and advocacy for B’nai Brith Canada, said the letter shows Canadians are concerned with Carney’s Palestine initiative.

“It is our hope that the letter will prompt the prime minister to reflect on his decision in advance of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly,” he told the Sun.

“In particular, on the impact that premature recognition will have on Jewish Canadians, and on the prospect of achieving a sustainable two-state solution.”

The Oct. 7, 2023 attacks triggered unprecedented levels of anti-Jewish hatred in Canada, led by anti-Israel and far-left activists who regularly take out their frustrations on domestic Israeli policy against Canadian Jews, accusing them of being party to a “genocide” in Gaza.

As well, opponents maintain the Palestinian statehood move would do little more than reward Hamas for their terrorism, including the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks — which saw Palestinian terrorists storm Israeli communities to conduct a campaign of murder, kidnappings and sexual assault against men, women and children.

“Canada’s foreign policy must be guided by moral clarity and grounded in Canadian values,” the letter continued.

“Foreign governments cannot bestow formal statehood as merely a pragmatic gesture — the global community must focus on bringing two parties, Israeli and Palestinians, to the negotiating table to establish a lasting peace and determine their own future.”

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