After the heated discussions of this morning’s seminar on Zionism, it was a stark contrast this afternoon to meet with the Canadian Ambassador to Israel, Jon Allen. Together with members of all the Canadian delegations, I listened to and exchanged views with Ambassador Allen for something over an hour.
The meeting kicked off with an outpouring of gratitude for the steadfast support of the Canadian government for the State of Israel. This didn’t prevent the Ambassador from being forthright articulating how he believes Israel must better ensure its own security and support from the international community. He reiterated Canada's belief in a two state solution that will address the challenges of borders, refugees, and settlements without minimizing the challenges this would entail.
Nearly as interesting as the remarks of the Ambassador were the responses of the assembled Canadian groups that seemed to span from a polite hearing to scepticism to outright dismay. The responses were not simply academic or solely matters of ideology. Many of those present are parents or grandparents (or even one great-grandfather) of citizens of the state of Israel. Even the most diplomatic discussion of the threats and challenges that Israel is facing could not disguise the personal fears and hopes that underlay the reactions.
It was delightful meeting Ambassador John Allen. He is clearly a committed Canadian public servant of the first rank and does his country and Israel a great service.
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