[dropcap]If[/dropcap] the fractured Obama-Netanyahu relationship, coupled with an increase in US aid to Israel, have reminded us of anything, it’s that American-Israeli relations are not always based on friendships. Despite devolving personal connections, the US-Israel partnership will continue strong, long after these two particular leaders leave office.
There is a country, however, whose leader shared a real understanding with Israel, a country that has proven to be Israel’s friendliest ally in recent years. That’s our northern neighbor, Canada, and its recently defeated leader Stephen Harper. His was a friendship not of realpolitik, but of true camaraderie and shared ideology. Harper brought a moral component to foreign affairs, an approach that translated into steadfast support of Israel and a clear vision on combatting modern terrorism.
Time and again, when Hamas’ unrelenting rocket attacks led to an inevitable incursion by Israeli forces, Harper immediately issued his unequivocal support in language stronger than that of any recent US leader. When Hezbollah rained fire on northern Israel leading to war in 2006, Harper defended Israel. Harper made it a point to visit concentration camps and other sites of Nazi-perpetrated horrors, and was unafraid to draw the comparison between old-line anti-Semitism and the current fashion for delegitimizing the Jewish state.
His support was genuine and heartfelt, based on a sense of mission, philosophy and morality, which manifested itself in Canadian foreign policy.
For his stance, Harper was deservedly recognized many times by Canada’s Jewish community, the Israeli government and a wide swath of pro-Israel organizations.
Conversely, he was criticized heavily by Palestinian and Arab activists, and sacrificed a seat for Canada on the UN Security Council due to his views.
Harper’s successor, Justin Trudeau, is by all accounts supportive of Israel and will likely not deviate from the Canadian foreign office’s positions on Israel. The difference is that Harper’s commitment to Israel went way beyond policy papers and press releases. Harper’s deep felt, unwavering and dependable support of Israel was a one-off.
Thank you, Stephen Harper. Your unique friendship will be recorded in the annals of Jewish history.
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