Jerusalem controversy
Photo: AFP
Canada court: Jerusalem not Israel's capital
Federal court rejects appeal by Jerusalem-born Toronto man, says capital's status disputed
A Canadian court rejected an appeal by an Israeli-born Toronto Jew who asked that his passport identify his place of birth as "Jerusalem, Israel," claiming that the capital's status was disputed.
The man claimed that according to the Jewish religion, Jerusalem is the country's capital.
The Canadian government refused to have the name "Israel" printed alongside the capital's name – as is customary in the case of nationals from other countries, as a result of Jerusalem's controversial status, Israel's leading daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday.
The appeal, which was filed about a year ago, was rejected this weekend, after the Federal Court stated in its ruling that the place of birth clause in the passport reflects citizenship and not religious beliefs.
The Canadian government further claimed that since its policy applies to Jerusalem-born Palestinians as well, the ruling does not constitute an act of discrimination against Jewish Canadians born in the city.
The B'nai Brith organization, which supported the appeal and provided the plaintiff with legal consultation, expressed great disappointment with the ruling, and claimed that it discriminates against Jerusalem-born Jews.
The group's Vice President, Frank Dimant, said he intends to contact the current Conservative government, whose attitude on Israel-related issues is considered more favorable than that of the Liberal government, in order to discuss the matter.
Notably, the appeal on the matter was filed during the Liberal government's term.
