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Orthodox Jewish Leadership Meets Minister Ambrose

June 17, 2009

The Orthodox Union, the world's largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, which includes nineteen synagogues across Canada, recently met with the Minister of Labor Rona Ambrose, MP (Edmonton-Spruce Grove). The meeting took place at Congregation Beth Israel in Edmonton, an Orthodox Union member congregation.

At the meeting, Orthodox Jewish leaders took the opportunity to thank Minister Ambrose, who represents their riding in Ottawa, for her unwavering support of Israel, and as well, for the support of Israel by the current Canadian government. In particular, they asked the Minister to convey gratitude to Minister Gary Goodyear for his decision to review government funding for a joint York University-Queen's University conference on Israel and Palestine after concerns were raised that the program will be anti-Israel.

In addition, the group discussed safety and security concerns for vulnerable Jewish institutions and expressed their gratitude to Minister Ambrose for her part in creating the CPS security infrastructure grant program, established by then-Public Security Minister Stockwell Day.

Rabbi Daniel Friedman, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Israel stated:

“We are incredibly fortunate to be living in a country that is unquestionably Israel's greatest friend today. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is one of very few world leaders who sincerely cares about the security of the State of Israel and the future of the Jewish People. Minister Ambrose has always stood proudly by the Jewish community and is an integral supporter of Israel.”