Mr. Speaker, last week marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Canadian Jewish Congress, a national representative organization of the Jewish community of Canada.
In 1919 the upheaval of the first world war and the desperate situation of Jews in eastern Europe contributed to the movement in Canada to found a body that would represent the interest of Canadian Jews and coordinate their efforts to send help to their brothers overseas.
Democratically elected, nationally representative, CJC has become one of Canada's foremost human rights organizations and a voice for social justice, harmony and equity for all Canadians.
Over its eight decades it has become a model community advocacy organization, blending its efforts on behalf of the Jewish community of Canada seamlessly with its outstanding contributions on issues of national scope and significance. Internationally its vigorous promotion of global human rights and the elimination of racism and discrimination everywhere complement its efforts on behalf of the State of Israel and Jews around the world.
To CJC, I say happy anniversary. It has earned our admiration. Yashar koach . May it go from strength to strength.