REGINA - Both the government and opposition sides of the Legislature have issued statements Tuesday condemning the Hamas attacks on Israel this weekend.
Premier Scott Moe and Opposition Leader Carla Beck both made statements voicing support for Israel and condemning the Hamas terrorist attacks at the beginning of the first day of the special sitting of the legislature.
During his statement, Premier Moe announced the Government of Saskatchewan will provide $100,000 of immediate emergency aid to those affected by the recent violent attacks in Israel. The funds will go to the humanitarian organization Canadian Magen David Adom for Israel or CMDA.
CMDA is based in Montreal and is the sole authorized fund-raising organization within Canada dedicated to supplying ambulances, medical equipment, supplies and blood testing kits to support lifesaving efforts in Israel. The province states in a news release that the funds will be used to buy ambulances, medical supplies and other equipment. They also state that CMDA has provided Israel over 250 ambulances and other emergency aid vehicles to date.
The full statement in the Assembly from Premier Moe is as follows, as recorded in Hansard.
Hon. Mr. Moe: — “Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to colleagues of this House. This past weekend, as Canadians, we were very much enjoying a Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. And at that time we were all reminded that there is evil in the world.
“On Saturday, October the 7th, 2023, as many Israeli families woke up to prepare for Shabbat and to celebrate the Jewish holiday, Simchat Torah, they were instead met with sirens as Hamas terrorists launched numerous attacks throughout Israel.
"Four thousand five hundred rockets were fired from Gaza, and armed terrorists shot and murdered hundreds of innocent civilians in numerous locations including a music festival at a kibbutz. And at this time it’s estimated that more than 1,000 people were killed, including two Canadians, while more than 2,600 individuals were wounded. Many more have been taken hostage and are still being held by Hamas terrorists, including at least two Canadians. Innocent Israeli civilians were kidnapped, raped, and tortured, and their bodies were being paraded across the streets of Gaza for no reason, other than being Israeli and being Jewish.
“This weekend, as we in Canada had the privilege of gathering together to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and friends, Israelis spent the day searching for their loved ones or mourning for those that they were already made aware had been lost. To support Israel and its fight against these crimes against humanity, our government will be providing $100,000 to Magen David Adom. This is a member organization of the International Red Cross. Magen David Adom actively raises funds to support Israel’s team of trained volunteer and professional medical responders and aides that are providing the entire nation’s pre- hospital emergency medical needs, including disaster assistance, ambulance assistance, and blood services.
“And at this time, we must show our support for Israel and all of its citizens. We cannot sit idle as interest groups proudly spread anti-Semitic misinformation propagated by terrorist organizations. Not since the Holocaust have we seen this kind of unrelenting violence against the Jews on such a profound level. There is no justification for the brutal, intentional, and indiscriminate mass murder of Israeli civilians that has and continues to take place. We must condemn this blatant disregard for human rights and support Israel’s right to defend itself.
“Our government will stand united against barbarism, whether it’s Putin’s unconscionable invasion of Ukraine or sadistic attacks from Hamas terrorists. Today the Saskatchewan government and I would ask all members of this House to stand united behind our friends, behind our family in Israel. Am Yisrael Chai. The Jewish nation lives.”
The full statement of Opposition Leader Beck is as follows.
Ms. Beck: — “I want to thank all members for granting leave, and I join with the Premier and leaders around the world in condemning the terrorist attacks in Israel. We need to see an immediate end to these terrorist attacks and call for the immediate release of all hostages. Real and lasting peace is what’s needed, and the loss of civilian life in recent days in Israel, in Palestine, is simply tragic. And I join with all members and all Saskatchewan people in condemning these terrorist attacks by Hamas and in supporting efforts towards a lasting peace.”
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