April 30, 2012
Toronto, ON – In response to news that Benzion Netanyahu passed away early this morning, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:
“We were saddened today to hear of the passing of Benzion Netanyahu.
“Mr. Netanyahu has left a remarkable legacy for his family and the entire state of Israel. As an acclaimed scholar of the Spanish Inquisition, he shed new light into a painful chapter of our history – and the lessons we can draw today from nearly 2,000 years of Jewish exile. As a Zionist activist and father to Yoni and Benjamin, he contributed to the development of modern Israel as few others have, at extraordinary personal sacrifice.
“On behalf of Canada’s Jewish community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his family at this difficult time.”
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the Canadian Jewish community’s official spokesperson to government and media.
For more information, contact:
Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
416-953-4417