Members of B'nai B'rith International's Board of Governors, and the leadership of B'nai B'rith Canada gathered June 27 in Ottawa to attend a policy conference, which featured a special key-note address by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Canada's prime minister was awarded B'nai B'rith International's highest honor, the Presidential Gold Medallion for Humanitarianism. "We have only presented our Presidential Gold Medallion for Humanitarianism to a handful of outstanding, exemplary, and distinguished recipients," said Moishe Smith, B'nai B'rith International's Ottawa-based President. "This highest of honors is reserved for only those individuals who have demonstrated inspired international leadership and service to society well beyond the call of duty." Canada's prime minister joined the ranks of the past recipients of this award who include David Ben Gurion, the founding prime minister of the State of Israel; Golda Meir, the first woman prime minister of Israel; U.S. President Harry S Truman; U.S. President John F. Kennedy; and Malcolm Fraser, former prime minister of Australia.
Frank Dimant, executive vice president of B'nai B'rith Canada, who nominated the prime minister for this distinguished award, stated: "Prime Minister Stephen Harper's unwavering commitment to principle on such matters as the safety and security of the Jewish people and the fight against global terror make him most deserving of this award. Prime Minister Harper continues to be a beacon of inspiration not only for Canadians but for peoples all over the world who value democracy and freedom."
Click here to read Prime Minister Stephen Harper's remarks.
Click here to view Prime Minister Stephen Harper's keynote address.
