By N Oji Mzilikazi
30 August 2015
Like right-wing Christian Churches, Christian Zionists and Christian fundamentalists that unequivocally support Israel and send millions of dollars to fund Israeli settlements, Stephen Harper, our unbeloved prime minister and his Conservative government are the world’s staunchest supporter of Israel. In Harper’s eyes, Israel can do no wrong and Israel does not do wrong.
In his January 2014 speech before Israel’s Knesset, Stephen Harper vowed loyalty to Israel. Harper declared: Through fire and water, Canada will stand with you.
At the November 2010, interparliamentary conference on combating anti-Semitism, Harper declared: As long as I am Prime Minister, whether it is at the UN or the Francophonie or anywhere else, Canada will take a stand whatever the cost.
In stating he would take a pro-Israeli stance, no matter what the political cost to Canada; Stephen Harper is feted and embraced by Jewry worldwide, and given awards and titles by Jewish organizations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Harper a great friend of Israel and the Jewish people, and praised him for unabashedly standing by Israel on issues including Iran’s nuclear program.
Since Iranian hardliners foolishly swear to the destruction of Israel, Iran was elevated as the latest bogyman that epitomizes evil and a threat to the west, Canada would not engage with Iran in any shape or form.
In taking up anti-Iran fire rage for Israel, in September 2014 Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird dismissed outright any co-operation with Iran against ISIS. Baird passed on the chance to inflict serious damage on ISIS while in its infancy.
In the face of such pro-Israel support by Stephen Harper it was rather surprising to see Harper staying silent on the landmark Iran Nuclear deal hammered out by the United States and others – weeks after the signing, and with protests and objections by the Israeli government, prominent American Jews and others.
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee didn’t pledge loyalty to Israel, but he had no qualms about invoking the Holocaust to object to the Iranian nuclear deal.
Huckabee likened it to marching the Israelis to the door of the oven.
I’m truly baffled by Harper’s silence. Harper had no qualms about snubbing the United Nations. Harper was willing to call out and attack Russian President Vladimir Putin over Russia’s expansionism and militarism, yet when Israel needed him most he didn’t show up. Harper didn’t show support and solidarity with Israel and criticized or objected to the deal.
Wonders never cease!