January 26, 2006 - CJCPR strongly condems anti-semitic statementsVancouver - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region strongly condemned the antisemitic statements made by Robbie Robertson to the Richmond News on January 24, 2006. Mr. Robertson is the former campaign manager to Darrel Reid, the Conservative candidate in Richmond.
Mr. Robertson attributed Mr. Reid's election loss to a Jewish-controlled, anti-Christian CanWest media.
"CanWest, which has shown an understanding of and a sensitivity to Christian points of view can well defend itself against such scurrilous charges," stated CJCPR Chair Mark Weintraub. "I am particularly dismayed that someone participating in the democratic process would purvey libelous lies that are so hurtful to the Jewish community and undermine Canada's values of inter-group understanding and respect."
Mr Weintraub added that "Robertson's statements feed off ugly, antisemitic conspiracy theories and show an appalling ignorance of the very positive state of Christian-Jewish relations in Canada today."
Mr Weintraub noted that "CJCPR is gratified that Mr. Reid, numerous of his supporters and Conservative Party leadership have forcefully repudiated and condemned Robertson's remarks."
Mr. Weintraub concluded that "Canadians must be mindful that the type of singleminded, pathological obsession with Jews shown by Robertson has long historical precedent and only continual education and advocacy will keep it suppressed."
CJC acts on matters affecting the status, rights and welfare of the Canadian Jewish community.
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For more information, please contact:
Mira Oreck
Acting Regional Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101
mirao@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca
http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=768
