'Ottawa Protocol' declaration to fight anti-Semitism

Canadian declaration also sets out to distinguish between valid criticism of Israel and what it terms "the most enduring of all hatreds."

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Canadian PM Harper (photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Canadian PM Harper
(photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
An international declaration called the Ottawa Protocol was released earlier this week in Canada, designed to fight anti-Semitism.
"We are alarmed by the explosion of anti-Semitism and hate on the Internet, a medium crucial for the promotion and protection of freedom of expression, freedom of information and the participation of a civil society," says the declaration.
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The declaration looks at the definition of anti-Semitism and highlights the importance of a distinction between legitimate criticism of Israel and what it calls the "most enduring of all hatreds." 
It lists several commitments, such as working with universities to promote the fight against anti-Semitism, and working with police in making sure there is a system set up to record incidents of anti-Semitism.
Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that Canada will remain a steadfast supporter of Israel even if it means losing stature internationally.
Addressing a three-day conference in Ottawa on battling global anti-Semitism, Harper said Monday that "when Israel, the only country in the world whose very existence is under attack, is consistently and conspicuously singled out for condemnation, I believe we are morally obligated to take a stand."
JTA contributed to this report.