Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, released the following statement on Tisha B’av:
“Beginning tomorrow evening, Jewish families and communities will join together to mark the beginning of Tisha B’av: a solemn period of fasting and reflection to mourn the destruction of the first and second temples of Jerusalem. These pivotal moments of loss and exile, though separated by centuries, are grieved together as symbols of Jewish resilience in the face of immense hardship.
“Conservatives join Canada’s Jewish community in honouring their heritage, and we remember the tragedies the Jewish people faced. During Tisha B’av, the sorrowful verses from the Book of Lamentations echo the sentiments felt by the Jewish people, uniting them in their remembrance. It is also a time to reflect on the difficulties that the Jewish people have come across more recently. Conservatives stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism, restating the importance of the safety and security of all Canadians.
“From vandalism of synagogues to the hateful intimidation of Jewish people on university campuses and out in public, many Jewish Canadians are left feeling unsafe. Conservatives stand firmly against all forms of hatred and discrimination.
“I pray that this Tisha B’av be a time of solemn unity and strength for the Jewish Nation.
“May their memory be a blessing.”