Canada’s prime minister was awarded B’nai B’rith International’s highest honor.
Stephen Harper accepted the the Presidential Gold Medallion for Humanitarianism Monday in Ottawa after delivering the keynote address at the start of a two-day policy conference.
“We have never hesitated to publicly condemn hatred and discrimination in all their vile manifestations and to fight against them, whatever the diplomatic or political cost,” Harper said. He cited his country’s immediate suspension of relations with the Hamas-led government in Gaza, its unwillingness to sign one-sided international resolutions against Israel and its decision not to attend the Durban II conference as examples.
Past recipients of the award include David Ben Gurion, Golda Meir, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy and Malcolm Fraser
“Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s unwavering commitment to principle on such matters as the safety and security of the Jewish people and the fight against global terror make him most deserving of this award. Prime Minister Harper continues to be a beacon of inspiration not only for Canadians but for peoples all over the world who value democracy and freedom,” said Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada, who nominated the Prime Minister for this distinguished award.
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