2004/19/02

Mr. James Lunney (Nanaimo—Alberni, CPC)  Mr. Speaker, Tuesday, the Member from London-Fanshawe made a statement in this House. I was shocked by the insensitive and inflammatory remarks about the security wall being constructed in Israel.

Mr. Speaker, I am certain most Israelis would agree to dismantle that wall in a heartbeat if the reign of terror and carnage inflicted on its citizens was halted.

The sad reality, Mr. Speaker: the Palestinian leadership has shown no will, no ability to stop suicide bombers or to prevent the glorification of those who perpetrate such vile acts as martyrs and as heroes.

Israel has a primary responsibility, like any nation, to protect the person and security of its citizens. To use accusatory and inflammatory words to characterize Israel's defence is to display gross ignorance of the geopolitical realities and the history of this troubled region.

Mr. S, people who live in relative peace and security should not be quick to judge those who live in constant peril and with terror.

To accuse Israelis of constructing concentration camps is a cruel and unwarranted slur against all Jewish people and the memory of millions who perished in what remains the world's most infamous genocide.