HILL: 'Allies for a strong Canada'... new group stands against anti-semitism on our streets

Jay Hill was for 17 years the Reform/Conservative MP for Prince George-Peace RiverAntisemitism in Canada has exploded over the last year, as the war in Israel, Gaza and more recently, Lebanon and Iran has been used to justify targeting Jews in Canada. Horrifyingly, Jewish Canadians are now the most frequently targeted group for hate crimes, yet our politicians at all levels seem content to repeat the usual platitudes while doing little, to nothing!Despite my personal frustration by this inaction, there is a recent development that brings a small ray of hope for those of us who have chosen to individually step up and speak out over the past fourteen months since October 7, 2023.Monday night I was reminded of the old adage, “Good things come to those who wait” — although when it comes to antisemitism, I must admit to having a noticeable shortage of patience. In fact, when discussing or posting on social media about this disgusting rise in hatred across our once peaceful nation, I often resort to distinctly unparliamentary language. While history has taught all of us that patience, persistence and perseverance are critical to achieving our goals, we also know that sometimes success comes too late! Hopefully, not this time.However, Leah and I welcomed the opportunity to attend the inaugural Alberta event for the new organization, “Allies for a Strong Canada.” For us it seemed we had waited forever for this much needed alliance to be launched. For over a year now I have been increasingly appalled and alarmed at the near constant displays of antisemitism in Canada. Also, sickened that it has spread worldwide in democratic countries, at a time Israel in yet another fight for survival!While demonstrations across the planet are deeply disturbing, it’s the protests here at home that I take personally. I hope I speak for a great many all-too-silent Canadians who are equally outraged when the allegedly pro-Palestinian protests constantly cross the line and express support for listed terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.Disruptive marches in our streets, complete with waving flags of these banned entities and calling for the death of Israel, USA, Canada and specifically, Jews, have become a regular occurrence... Calling for the October 7th Hamas atrocity to be repeated... Even worse, these protests are increasingly becoming violent demonstrations that threaten peaceful citizens, their safety, property and businesses. Yes, in Canada. And with no consequences. Thankfully we haven’t seen the likes of the violence displayed in Amsterdam, or the synagogue burning recently in Melbourne, Australia. But Montreal was only a small step from that. I for one fail to understand the inaction by governments at all levels, municipal, provincial and especially federal.How is it our Prime Minister could enact the Emergencies Act (revamped War Measures Act) to combat peaceful horn-honking and a bouncy castle in Ottawa, demand banks freeze citizens’ bank accounts and permit police brutality against unresisting, peaceful protestors… but fail to act against these hate spewing terrorist supporters?I wonder how many of the 4.9 million non-permanent residents in Canada that are due to “voluntarily leave” by the end of 2025 will depart when their visas expire? We know this number is made up of temporary foreign workers, asylum seekers and international students. Of the latter, I question how many may have been involved in all the unrest and protests at our universities. We have no idea since they’re allowed to remain anonymous by covering their faces with keffiyehs or masks during the demonstrations. And since they’re not arrested there’s no possibility of having a mug shot or a student ID to identify them!Likewise, could the massive 2,500 per cent surge of asylum claims under the Trudeau government have anything to do with the dramatic increase in homeless encampments in our cities? In 2014, pending asylum claims were about 10,000. Now they’re over 250,000! Could this be further fueling the extraordinary increase in food bank use, crime and unrest? And further inflaming this eruption in antisemitism?With this as background you can understand why I’m excited to have a credible organization to rally around. For over a year I have spent a considerable amount of time adding my voice in opposition to this rising tide of antisemitism. I am not a Jew, but I cannot remain silent when friends and neighbours who are, find themselves threatened by this brainwashed, ignorant rabble.Many of us cannot comprehend the barbaric butchery of October 7, 2023. Like 911, I know it will never leave me. The nature of the inhumanity and medieval brutality visited upon innocent, peace-loving men, women, children… even infants, that day is seared into my soul forever. They were not collateral damage as all too often sadly happens in conflict and war. They were premeditatively and specifically targeted in the vilest way imaginable.I have studied the Holocaust, read innumerable books including many firsthand accounts by survivors, watched documentaries and movies, and been horrified by man’s capacity for inhumanity towards others. I would have never believed I’d witness this brutality and hatred in my lifetime. Yet here we are.Now that we have a credible association to rally previously silent Canadians, I implore you to go online to theallies.ca and join. It costs nothing but means everything. So, stand up, sign up and speak up to show you believe the term “Never Again” is far more than a slogan.Jay Hill was for 17 years the Reform/Conservative MP for Prince George-Peace River. During the last two years of his tenure, he served as Government House Leader in the Stephen Harper administration.

HILL: 'Allies for a strong Canada'... new group stands against anti-semitism on our streets

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