In a letter to a Jewish Canadian advocacy group, BC Premier Christy Clark has aligned herself with Israel saying the province can be "counted as a friend" of Israel.
"While the world watches in agony, we recognize the need for a ceasefire that leads to long-term security and peace in the region," Clark mentioned in the letter posted Sunday to the website 'The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.'
She further states that the current conflict in Israel and Gaza is a concern to anyone who believes in democracy and human rights.
The letter was read aloud in a gathering of nearly 1,000 individuals on Sunday at the Temple Sholom synagogue in Vancouver.
"Israel has the right to defend itself and its citizens against terrorist attacks."
"Support for Israel abroad makes a difference," she writes. "As the world continues to hope for a peace that satisfies both Israelis and Palestinians, I'm proud that British Columbia can be counted as a friend of Israel."
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Canada Palestine Association, Hanna Kawas, has condemned the letter saying the content of the letter is "outrageous" and that he believes it is a move to win votes of the Jewish community.
Kawas called the contents of the letter "outrageous" and said he believes Clark's decision was based on winning votes from the Jewish community.
