Israeli Minister’s Visit To Canada Sparks Controversy And Educational Mission

An event scheduled at Ontario’s Canada Christian College on June 1 has stirred controversy and concerns over a breach of protocol involving Israeli Minister Yitzhak Chikli. Billed as the keynote speaker, Chikli’s presence aims to celebrate Jerusalem Day and Israel’s 75th anniversary. The event is co-sponsored by the Israel Allies Foundation, an organization focused on empowering pro-Israel, faith-based legislators globally. 

Canadian government officials were surprised when Conservative lawmaker Leslyn Lewis extended an email invitation to all parliamentarians, inviting them to a lunch celebration of Jerusalem Day and Israel’s 75th anniversary, under the auspices of the cross-party, faith-based Canadian Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus. The caucus is not an official organization, but rather a part of a global network of pro-Israel caucuses connected by the Israel Allies Foundation. The foundation facilitates connections between legislatures worldwide and evangelical communities. 

Liberal MP Ya’ara Saks, the first dual Israeli-Canadian citizen in Canada’s parliament, expressed concern over Chikli’s visit and the association with a controversial opposition member. Saks described the planning as “extremely problematic” and expressed disappointment in the Israeli government’s handling of diplomatic relations between Canada and Israel. She also raised concerns about the organization hosting the event, which allegedly holds pro-life, anti-abortion, and anti-LGBTQIA+ positions. Saks emphasized the need for Chikli’s visit to prioritize building connections with the Canadian-Jewish community rather than supporting an organization with conflicting agendas.

Following the government’s dissatisfaction with the visit, senior staff from the Canadian Global Affairs Ministry held meetings with Israel’s outgoing ambassador to Canada and his deputy head of mission to address the issue. Saks and fellow Liberal MP Anthony Housefather expressed their concerns to Chikli’s chief of staff and embassy staff in a Zoom meeting. As a result, Chikli’s visit has been restructured. He will first meet with representatives of all parties under the Friendship Organization before being hosted by the Canadian Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus on the Hill.