TORONTO, 19 September 2011: A standing-room only crowd of over 3000 people packed Canada Christian College to capacity to protest the Arab League’s plan to unilaterally divide Israel based on pre-1967 borders in order to create a Palestinian state with no security guarantees whatsoever for Israel. The “Stand With Israel” rally was attended by members of Jewish and Christian communities from across the Golden Horseshoe and southern Ontario, as well as religious leaders and politicians who came together to offer prayers and messages of encouragement to Israel as its future hangs in the balance pending this week’s events at the United Nations General Assembly.

 

The Honourable Jason Kenney gave a keynote address, and declared that a unilateral declaration of Palestinian independence will “undermine the legitimate peace process … The Government of Canada will vote against that motion next week at the United Nations.”

 

“We say, as Canadians, to our Jewish friends both here and around the world that we stand in solidarity with you.”

 

Dr. Charles McVety, President of Canada Christian College and host of the rally, proclaimed that “there are millions of Christians around the world that are taking a stand and saying never, never … and never again will we stand idly by while Israel could be attacked or divided or the eternal capital of Israel, Jerusalem, could be severed. Never again.”

 

“The voice of Canada is clear. It’s a principled voice, it’s a voice of reason, it’s a voice of logic,” stated Dr. Frank Dimant, addressing the audience. “The voice of believing Christians is also very clear in this country and we bless you for that: thank you, thank you. And I want to add to you here that the voice of believing Jews is also clear: Jerusalem will never be divided again.”

 

Thanking the audience for their passion and support, Israeli Consul-General Amir Gissin reported that the feeling in Israel is that Canada is the Jewish State’s closest friend at this critical juncture.

 

York Centre MPP Monte Kwinter brought greetings from Premier Dalton McGuinty and York Centre Progressive Conservative candidate Michael Mostyn spoke on behalf of Tim Hudak, leader of the PC Party. Remarks were also made by Toronto City Councillor for Ward 10, James Pasternak. MPs Mark Adler (York Centre), John Carmichael (Don Valley West), MPPs David Zimmer (Willowdale) and Toronto City Councillor John Parker (Ward 26) were also present.

 

The rally was presented by B’nai Brith Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Jewish community, in association with Canada Christian College; Toronto Christian Centre; Jubilee Centre for Christian Social Action; Queensway Baptist Church; Kingsway Community Life Centre; Dover Court Baptist Church; Revival Time Tabernacle Ministries; All Peoples Church; Miracle Family Temple; Christians United for Israel on Campus; Kingdom Covenant Ministries; Rain Outreach Centre; Uptown Ministries; Living Word Harvest Missionary Church; Victory International Church; Word of His Power Faith Christian Centre; Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship/Catch the Fire Ministries; El Roee Full Gospel Church; Faith International Church; Evangelical Association and Evangel Temple.