Canadian PM to be honored at KKL-JNF Toronto event

“Outside the weather will be minus 10 degrees, but inside the atmosphere will be extremely hot,” organizers said in a statement.

By TAMARA ZIEVE
Netanyahu walks with Harper 370 (photo credit: REUTERS/Chris Wattie)
Netanyahu walks with Harper 370
(photo credit: REUTERS/Chris Wattie)
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is set to be honored at the annual Keren Kayemet for Israel-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) Gala dinner in Toronto on Sunday, in light of the construction of a new visitor center in the Hula Valley, to be named after the premier.
“Outside the weather will be minus 10 degrees, but inside the atmosphere will be extremely hot,” organizers of the event, named the Negev Dinner, said in a statement.
“The state of Israel and the Israeli government will receive a warm and loving embrace from all its friends and supporters in Canada, led by Harper, one of the most supportive leaders of the state of Israel,” they said, placing a special emphasis on Canada’s friendly relations with Israel – on the heels of the recent nuclear deal signed with Iran in Geneva and the disagreement over the issue between Israel and the US.
Some 4,000 guests were due to attend the event at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, including public officials, Canadian government officials and major donors to Israel and KKL-JNF.
Event organizers said that anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations were expected to be held outside the event, particularly due to Harper’s participation.
During the dinner Efi Stenzler, KKL-JNF world chairman, will announce the new project. It includes the establishment of an international bird sanctuary visitor and education center, as part of the Hula Valley Rehabilitation Plan.
The center will be a 4,000 square meter construction and will serve as a scientific and educational facility.
According to KKL-JNF, the Hula Valley – which is the organization’s flagship site – is expected to draw one million local and international tourists, annually, within ten years, more than doubling the current number.