OTTAWA – David Matas, co-author of the seminal report on Jewish refugees from the Middle East, Jewish  Refugees from Arab Countries: The Case for Rights and Redress by Justice for Jews from Arab Countries, presented the paper to Jason Kenney, secretary of state (multiculturalism and Canadian identity), during the course of his lecture on the subject last week in Ottawa, which was meant to inform opinion on Parliament Hill on this little known, but important topic. 

Noga Abarbanel, a Jewish refugee from Iraq, also addressed the audience, presenting a touching first-hand account of the trauma both she and her family faced in Iraq, and how thankful she was for the state of Israel, and its speedy integration of the Jewish refugees from Muslim countries.

Matas announced at the event that B’nai Brith will be increasing its leading advocacy efforts on this issue, and hopes momentum will build within all political parties to show support for this fundamental human rights concern, which is so central to the hopes for peace in the Middle East.