Calgary’s Jewish and Palestinian communities react to state recognition announcement

Local reaction is pouring in following Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement Canada will recognize Palestine as a state this fall.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada will recognize Palestine as an independent state at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

“We truly appreciate the Canadian government’s announcement with respect to recognizing Palestine as a state. However, we shouldn’t confuse the fact that Palestinians have the right to exist and to protect themselves. This is about survival and self-determination,” said Imam Fayaz Tilly with the Muslim Community of Calgary.

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On Wednesday, Carney said he spoke to the president of the Palestinian Authority and said they’re committed to reforms, including holding general elections next year.

Hamas, which Canada considers a terrorist organization, is to play no part.

“Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future,” the statement from the prime minister reads.

Tilly wants Canada to aid Gaza now and worry about political reforms later.

“These are people who’ve been suffering through genocide, starvation and dying; their right to exist should never come with fine print. Although there will be a time to negotiate,” Tilly said.

Some in the Jewish community support the recognition but worry about the involvement of the Palestinian Authority.

“We believe in a negotiated two-state solution. One that ensures peace, dignity and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. We also agree with the prime minister’s assertion that the Palestinian statehood should be a result of negotiations between Israel and some sort of Palestinian governmental authority,” said Austin Parcels with B’nai Brith Canada.

“However, we do strongly oppose the decision to move forward with the P.A. being an express part of this recognition.

“The reason being is that the Palestinian Authority under Mahmoud Abbas has shown a history of repeatedly undermining peace, suppressing its own people and has broken every meaningful promise of reform.”