Mr. Speaker, I have a message to deliver on this the 59th anniversary of the independence of Israel.
I would like to add my voice to that of my colleagues in extending my most sincere wishes to the members of the Jewish community in Quebec and Canada on this occasion.
Since 1948, the State of Israel has been a bulwark of liberty. It is also the only true democracy in the Middle East.
In the face of numerous threats of global terrorism, we know that we can always count on Israel being on the frontline of defence of the free world, as it has been ever since it was established.
In the context of World War II, Winston Churchill said that never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. These words aptly reflect our gratitude and commitment to that country.
When the partition plan of the British mandate in the Middle East was voted on in 1947, Israel was able to count on Canada.
I state proudly that Israel will always be able to count on the support of the members of this House.
Happy Yom Haatsmaout.