The Jewish National Fund (JNF) Pays Tribute To The Honourable John Baird, PC
The Jewish National Fund (JNF) Pays Tribute
To The Honourable John Baird, PC
Baird: “Canada doesn’t stand behind Israel, but rather, walks shoulder to shoulder with Israel”
VANCOUVER, BC – On June 7th, 2015 the Jewish National Fund, Pacific Region, had a wonderfully successful Negev Dinner at the ‘Four Seasons’ Hotel in honour of Canada’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable John Baird, PC.
Mr. Baird has made valuable contributions and proudly represented Canada as a world leader who promoted democracy and the protection of human rights. JNF was privileged to honour Mr. Baird for so strongly representing Canada on the world stage and for his many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Canada as an elected official.
In his speech, Mr. Baird summed up Israel and Canada’s friendship with the saying “Canada doesn’t stand behind Israel, but rather, walks shoulder to shoulder with Israel”.
Ilan Pilo, JNF Jerusalem Emissary and Executive Director said that, “Mr. Baird is a man of integrity and a true friend to Israel. JNF was grateful to honor him for his leadership on the world stage, for years of devoted service to the citizens of Canada, his dedication to the Jews of Canada, and to the State of Israel. Thanks to John Baird’s outstanding leadership, Canada has become Israel’s most unwavering ally.”
Amongst the 350 guests attending the dinner, were representatives of major Jewish institutions, as well as many community Rabbis. The Hon. Suzanne Anton, Minister of Justice, represented the Province of British Columbia. Also attending the dinner were The Hon. Rafael Barak, Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, Josh Cooper, CEO of Jewish National Fund of Canada and Avi Dickstein, Executive Director of R&D Division KKL-JNF. All three dignitaries spoke of the uniquely warm relationship between Canada and Israel.
Proceeds from the 2015 Negev Dinner will support the creation of the Sderot Memorial Park in Israel, which will be named after the Honourable John Baird. This multi-functional urban park will host sports, leisure and recreation activities, as well as community events, and will provide children and their families with appropriate playground and fitness facilities. The new park will lift the morale of the residents of the city that have been the ongoing target of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip since 2001 as well as provide a venue for community activities and contribute to improving the quality of life for its residents.
The Jewish National Fund thanks it’s supporters for being part of this memorable dinner and for supporting the Community of Sderot.
Since its inception in 1901, the Jewish National Fund has been the sole agency responsible for the development and infrastructure of land in Israel. Our many programs include land reclamation, reforestation, and road building. From the Negev Desert to the Galilee, lush green spaces, rich farmland and cities pulsating with life have blossomed out of swamp and mountain rock.
The JNF directs 100% of its charitable dollars to support the Land of Israel. Therefore, you can be assured that donations are going directly to fulfill the needs of one of the many development areas such as water, forestry and environment, education, community development, security, tourism and recreation, and research and development.
