B’nai B’rith International praises Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his historic speech before the Knesset, reaffirming his country’s commitment to Israel and declaring the double standard that Israel faces in the international community intolerable.

Harper, the first Canadian prime minister to address the Israeli parliament, spoke to the members of Knesset amidst a four-day visit to the Jewish state, leading a 250-person delegation. The Canadian prime minister declared his country’s unwavering support for the Jewish state, saying the two nations have much in common, including shared values of freedom, democracy and rule of law. Harper also refuted those who deny Israel’s legitimacy, equated anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism and stood firm on Canada’s sanctions against Iran.

Harper received standing ovations throughout his speech.