Poilievre Marks Yom Ha’atzmaut With Defiant Tribute; Carney And Singh Remain Silent

Summary

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre released a statement on Yom Ha’atzmaut, reflecting on Jerusalem’s destruction in 136 CE and the founding of Israel in 1948, and celebrating the “defiant spirit” that has sustained the Jewish people through millennia. A review of party websites shows no corresponding Yom Ha’atzmaut messages from Liberal Leader Mark Carney or NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as of April 30, 2025.

Historical Resonance in Poilievre’s Remarks

Pierre Poilievre began by recalling the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 136 CE and the exile of the Jewish people. He noted that, over the ensuing centuries, Jews “dreamed that one day, the dispersed could once again be free and independent.” Poilievre then highlighted the realization of that dream in 1948, when “the Jewish state of Israel was born.” He drew parallels between historical attempts to annihilate the Jewish people and modern-day threats Israel has faced, asserting that “against the tide of history Israel would not let them.”

He concluded by celebrating Israel as “a beacon of freedom and democracy,” expressing confidence that “a thousand years from now, the Jewish people will be practicing the same religion, in the same language, on the same land as their ancestors,” and signing off with “Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach!”

Responses from Other Party Leaders

As of April 30, 2025, the Liberal Party of Canada website contains no Yom Ha’atzmaut statement by its newly appointed leader, Mark Carney. Similarly, the NDP’s most recent statement on Jewish holidays was for Yom HaShoah in 2024, with no Yom Ha’atzmaut message from Jagmeet Singh.

Broader Party Tradition

Poilievre’s reflections continue a Conservative tradition of marking Israel’s independence in Parliament, echoing his own 2012 House speech praising Israel’s democracy and technological achievements on Yom Ha’atzmaut.

What’s Next?

With Israel facing ongoing security challenges, Poilievre’s statement signals the Conservative Party’s intent to maintain strong parliamentary support for Israel. Watch for whether Liberal and NDP leaders will follow suit in the coming days.