The commemoration of Israel’s 60th birthday began last week. Celebrations and special observances of this magical milestone event will be held throughout the coming year in communities around the world and especially, of course, in the Jewish state itself.

It is fitting however, that we make special mention of the large and heartening community rallies that were held across the country last week and commend the organizers and the participants for uninhibited, enthusiastic displays of love and support for the people of Israel, and the achievements of that remarkable, tiny country during the past six decades.

But we must also note with particular gratitude Canada’s signal support for the Jewish state.

Before thousands of demonstratively appreciative celebrants in Toronto last week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper once again expressed his government’s “unshakable support” for Israel. “Our government believes that those who threaten Israel also threaten Canada,” Harper said. “Israel has blossomed into one of the most successful countries on earth,” he said,” the prime minister added.

In Montreal, the leader of the Opposition, Stéphane Dion, told some 15,000 celebrants that “Israel is a country that has enriched our global community with its vibrant culture, its powers of invention, and its commitment to freedom, democracy, and prosperity.”

In Ottawa, the House of Commons unanimously agreed to a motion tabled by Mount Royal MP Irwin Cotler, and seconded by 20 members of parliament (the maximum allowed), that re-affirms and re-articulates the unique bond between Canada and Israel.

The full text of the resolution is worthy of note: “That the House: (a) recognize the historic significance of the 60th anniversary of the reconstitution of the sovereign and independent State of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people; (b) reaffirm its support for Israel as Israel pursues peace with its neighbours; (c) reaffirm its support for Israel’s right to defend itself against threats to its existence and security; (d) commend the people of Israel for their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic, democratic society in the face of hostilities; (e) reaffirm the bonds of friendship and co-operation between Canada and Israel, and commit to strengthening those bonds; and (f) extend the warmest congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and the Israeli people for a secure and prosperous future at peace with her neighbours.”

In a world often made disheartening and confusing by concerted efforts to delegitimize and demonize the Jewish state, it is very gratifying and heartwarming to hear and to read such deeply rooted statements of support for Israel such as those expressed last week by the government and the parliament of Canada.

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In last week’s editorial, we wrote that Yigael Yadin was Israel’s first chief of staff. In fact, he was the second.

Ya’akov Dori was the first.