Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to note the visit this week to Canada by the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau.
Rabbi Lau, who is with us today in Ottawa, will be visiting a vibrant Canadian Jewish community. Rabbi Lau was born in pre-war Poland to a family of respected rabbinical scholars. A holocaust survivor, Rabbi Lau moved to Israel and dedicated himself to a life of service to his people and his faith.
Canadian Jews have made an enormous contribution to this country. Canadians have stood by Israel during its darkest moments and continue to work with Israel in the search for peace in the Middle East.
Rabbi Lau will be aware of the attempted bombing yesterday at Calgary's Jewish Centre. Happily, no one was seriously injured. I hope that when Rabbi Lau returns to Israel it will be with the knowledge that all Canadians condemn violent and hateful acts.