TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told 7,000 people celebrating Israel’s 60th birthday that the Jewish State has Canada’s “unshakable support” because those who threaten Israel also threaten Canada.

“Unfortunately, Israel at 60 remains a country under threat, threatened
by groups and regimes who deny, to this very day, its right to exist.
And why? Make no mistake. Look beyond the thinly veiled
rationalizations – because they hate Israel, just as much as they hate
the Jewish people. Our government believes that those who threaten
Israel also threaten Canada,” Harper said May 8 at the Israel @ 60
event at the Ricoh Coliseum, eliciting enthusiastic applause and a
standing ovation.

Harper, who is often criticized for his strong pro-Israel stance, didn’t hold anything back as he spoke of Israel as being a symbol of triumph, hope and faith.

“After 1945, our battered world desperately needed to be lifted out of the forces of darkness and despair. After so much pain and suffering, we needed comfort and optimism… In short, we needed to be inspired, and it was the people that suffered most that provided that inspiration,” Harper said.

“In the 60 years that followed, Israel has blossomed into one of the most successful countries on earth,” he said, adding that Israel is a “miracle in the desert,” committed to democracy and human rights.

Harper, who has yet to visit Israel, said his determination to make the “pilgrimage” to Israel was redoubled after a recent visit to Auschwitz.

“I want to see first-hand what the survivors of the Holocaust and their descendants have accomplished. Theirs is truly an achievement of resilience and renewal unsurpassed by anyone,” he said.

“As we gather tonight to celebrate 60 years of the state of Israel, let us all as Canadians, do whatever we can do, to help Israelis and their neighbours in their quest for a better future.”

Before Harper’s speech, MC Ivan Reitman, the Toronto-raised director of blockbuster Hollywood films, including Ghostbusters and Twins, told the audience – his “extended mishpachah”– that he learned about the importance of Israel from his parents, who were Holocaust survivors.

“Isn’t it wonderful to be able to celebrate the miracle of Israel’s 60th birthday, the incredible resolve and determination of the people of Israel? [Israelis] have created a vibrant and democratic nation despite unrelenting challenges. Regardless of where we live in the Diaspora, we can always call Israel home,” Reitman said.

The Yom Ha’atzmaut event, co-chaired by Fred Waks and Sara Zagdanski, and organized by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, included performances by the Combined Jewish Day Schools Choir, the Renanim Youth Singers with Kol Neshama, the Israel Defense Forces Ensemble, Israeli ballet dancers, and the Israeli hip-hop band Hadag Nachash.

The sold-out crowd waved Canadian and Israeli flags, sang along with the performers and even broke into a horah.

Israeli President Shimon Peres, who addressed the gathering via a recorded video message, praised the state’s accomplishments in agriculture, medicine and security.

“We have the right to be proud, but we don’t have the permission to be satisfied,” Peres said.

Israel consul general Amir Gissin, who was spending his first Yom Ha’atzmaut in Toronto, said he was at a loss for words.

“Driving today up Bathurst Street, half the cars have Israeli flags. You have made Toronto the closest place to Israel tonight.”