In 1956 my father fleeing Egypt asked the Canadian Government for Political Asylum. He was turned down. What a nice change which I greatly appreciate.

'He emphasized that "such recognition does not diminish or compete with the situation of Palestinian refugees."' Maybe he didn't, but the Palestinians think it does, and that it detracts from their narrative--and they're right. It changes them from "poor, downtrodden, expelled victims" to participants recipients in a population exchange, such as there was between India and Pakistan when India was partitioned--because they will never let Jewish refugees have equal status with them, even if it hurts their own prospects of ever having a country of their own. How many times have we seen the Palestinians reject offers of cooperation because (Heaven forfend!) Israel might benefit in some way, even though it would be far less than the benefit for themselves. As Abba Eban said, "The Arabs never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity."

If we use the same criteria for Palestinian and Jewish tefugees, and allow refugee status to be inherited how many Jewish refugees are there? Palestinians claim millions so I am sure we can have a legitimate count of the Jewish ones become part of the negotiations.

About time somebody put this on the table

Our Jewish brothers and sisters had to escape from Arab tyranny and massacres prior to and following the re-establishment of the Jewish state of Israel. It is to the Canadian people's merit that they elected a truly decent and righteous government that is not afraid to tell the truth, even though it is not politically correct. G-d save our gracious Queen and her noble elected representatives in Ottawa. They truly make us proud.

for much longer. I guess we can expect a tilt to the left once again. Having said that, it has been great listening to PM Harpers strong support of Israel !

insist on correcting these statements on every occasion, otherwise as the diseased Arafat(?) has said: "the bigger the lie the bigger the truth" That is exactly what has happened: Israel, feeling holding the moral high ground, falsely thought that the primitive, Arab lies will be seen by the "World" for what they are: Big Lies. Unfortunately these urban legends have become undisputed "facts/Big Truths" in the eyes of the world, that needs no prodding when it comes to hating the Jew! This charade must stop soon.

They say what must be said for years about the Israel and Arab conflict about Russia and other world issues and we all support this stands. Finally there is a real stand in Canada !!!

WHAT A GREAT NATION!

Israel, however FM Bairds suggestion that "Recognition of Jewish refugees from Arab states should be part of the Israeli-Palestinian peace accord" is unnecessary, as the "palestinians" will never agree to any peace accord with Israel, and are on the verge of walking out of the talks again with what they started with...nothing.

Very nice symbolism & sympatico, but just don't do too much, or carry any real weight in the ordering of affairs. You and I both know who is turned to for the serious aid and help.