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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 138

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 30, 2022 02:00PM
Context: House Hansard - 138 - Nov/30/22
Mrs. Rachael Thomas (Lethbridge, CPC)
  • Nov/30/22 2:10:03 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today is Jewish refugee day. On this day, we commemorate the nearly one million Jewish refugees who were forcibly displaced from Arab countries and Iran between the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. For centuries, large Jewish communities lived in the Middle East, Iran and north Africa in relative peace with their neighbours. However, everything changed in the years leading up to and following the rebirth of the state of Israel in 1948. Suddenly, Jews were subjected to systemic anti-Semitism and evicted from their homes. They were subjected to arbitrary arrest, torture and murder. This year, B'nai Brith, which is Canada's oldest Jewish advocacy organization, will again commemorate these refugees and will raise awareness of this great injustice by hosting a virtual event tonight. I urge MPs from all parties to join this event. It can be accessed on the website. Let us all remember the stories of Jewish refugees from Arab lands and Iran, and continue to fight against anti-Semitism, injustice and racism in all of its forms.
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Context: House Hansard - 138 - Nov/30/22
Hon. Jim Carr (Winnipeg South Centre, Lib.)
  • Nov/30/22 2:19:32 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, in honour of Jewish refugee day, I would like to commemorate the nearly one million Jews who were forced into exile from Iran and other countries in the region beginning in 1948. This forced migration was marked by a religious persecution and even genocide. Many individuals and families found safe harbour here in Canada. The communities that thrive today contribute so much to the diverse mosaic of the Canadian identity. Anti-Semitism and racism of all kinds remain a part of the lived experience for people in Canada and around the world. One of our best defences against this can be found through education. B'nai Brith, Canada's oldest Jewish advocacy organization, will host a virtual commemoration of the story of Jews from Iran and Arab lands this evening. The event can be accessed through the B'nai Brith website. It is through education that we can build our defences against hatred in all of its forms.
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