(Updated) Distinguished service to the cause of human rights

NEWS RELEASES

PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE

************************ Prime Minister Stephen Harper receives Saul Hayes Human Rights Award

Continues to defend human rights and oppose anti-Semitism on the world stage

TORONTO – (May 30) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today received the Saul Hayes Human Rights Award from the Canadian Jewish Congress.

This is the first time the award has been given to a serving prime minister.

"I am moved and honoured to receive this award," said the prime minister. "You don't defend human rights by speeches alone; real action is required from inside and outside of government. Canadians can count on our government to defend human rights and oppose anti-Semitism because it is the right thing to do. As grateful as I am to receive this award, I am even more grateful for the leadership the Canadian Jewish Congress has shown in standing up for human rights and opposing hatred in all its forms."

The Harper government has made defending human rights a cornerstone of its foreign policy since coming to office.

Under the Harper government, Canada was the first country to withdraw from the Durban Review Conference after it turned into a forum for the promotion of anti-Semitism and hatred.

Canada was also the first country to suspend ties with and assistance to the Hamas regime in the Palestinian Authority after it refused to drop its commitment to the eradication of Israel.

The Saul Hayes Award is bestowed on individuals who render distinguished service to the cause of human rights.

The prime minister received the award at the Canadian Jewish Congress 29th Plenary Assembly held in Toronto, Ontario.

PHOTO CAPTION: Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with Israeli Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom before receiving the Saul Hayes Human Rights Award at the Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue in Toronto, Ontario.

************************ Prime Minister Stephen Harper receives the Simon Wiesenthal International Leadership Award

Continues to fight against anti-Semitism on the world stage

TORONTO – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today received the prestigious Simon Wiesenthal International Leadership award.

The award is bestowed on leaders who best exemplify the values and actions of the late Simon Wiesenthal in the pursuit of justice and human rights.

“I am particularly humbled since this organization’s namesake, Simon Wiesenthal, was a man whose commitment to the principles of freedom, justice and human rights is world-renowned,” said the prime minister. “We are inspired by his example and recommit ourselves to expose, confront and repudiate the evils of anti-Semitism and hatred, whenever and wherever they appear.”

The Harper government has been firm in defending human rights and fighting anti-Semitism since taking office three years ago.

When the United Nations Durban Review Conference turned into a forum for the promotion of hatred, Canada was the first country to withdraw.

When Hamas formed the government of the Palestinian Authority and refused to drop its commitment to the eradication of the State of Israel and its people, Canada was the first country to suspend ties with and assistance to its government.

The Harper Government also supports the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research and partnered with Winnipeg’s Asper family, the province of Manitoba, the city of Winnipeg and thousands of private donors to build the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.

The prime minister received the award and made his remarks during the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre’s Spirit of Hope Benefit at the Roy Thompson Hall.

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