AGPI'S THE DEFENDER OF ISRAEL INITIATIVE

AGPI Proudly Confers Defender of Israel Award on The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper

November 13, 2024 Toronto, ON – Despite attempts by pro-Hamas demonstrators to block the streets and disrupt the event, The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) proudly hosted a sold-out gathering to confer its highest honour, the Defender of Israel Award, upon former Canadian Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper. A warm welcome highlighting Mr. Harper's accomplishments was given by AGPI's Honourary Chair, Mr. Paul Godfrey.

This milestone evening brought together a distinguished audience of business leaders, philanthropists, interfaith leaders, diplomats, law enforcement leaders, politicians, and educators, all united to uphold freedom, democracy, and Canadian unity in the face of rising antisemitism, hate, and intolerance.  We thank them all for attending. 

AGPI also conferred its inaugural Defender of Israel Media Award on Rob Roberts, Editor-in-Chief of the National Post, for his courageous and objective journalism. Master Sergeant Remo El-Hozayel received the Lion of Judah Award for his extraordinary bravery in rescuing over 200 people from the Nova Party event on October 7, 2023, earning a standing ovation from the audience in recognition of his heroism.

In a powerful fireside chat with AGPI Founder and CEO Avi Abraham Benlolo, Mr. Harper addressed many critical geopolitical issues, discussing the resurgence of antisemitism and the necessity of defending Israel. He left the audience with a message of optimism, noting that initiatives like the Abraham Accords are reducing animosity toward Israel in several countries he has visited.  

The evening also featured AGPI’s international connections, with French political activist Shannon Sebban joining as a special guest to provide AGPI leaders with critical updates on the state of antisemitism in France, reinforcing AGPI’s commitment to addressing this issue worldwide. Co-chairs Jerry Werger and Frank Wilson warmly welcomed the audience and praised AGPI’s efforts in combating hate and building unity.

Television personality Jamie Gutfreund served as the evening’s emcee, adding a dynamic presence to the program and engaging attendees with his enthusiasm for AGPI’s mission.  Ottawa leader, Floralove Katz sang the anthems beautifully while noted Israeli singer, Shlomy Assaf paid tribute to the heroes of Israel.

The Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, a founding director of AGPI, former Mayor of Vaughan, and Member of Parliament, delivered closing remarks, underscoring AGPI’s mission and its vital work in building alliances across faith communities. Under the “Abrahamic tent” of unity, AGPI remains steadfast in countering hatred and intolerance to foster a future grounded in peace and shared values.

AGPI extends its heartfelt gratitude to its interfaith allies, sponsors and supporters for helping the organization work toward a better world. The organization also thanks the Toronto Police Service for providing security amidst threats and intimidation, ensuring the safety of all in attendance. Special thanks are given to Magen Herut Canada for its invaluable assistance in securing the evening, helping make this memorable event possible.

THE DEFENDER OF ISRAEL PROGRAM

Building interfaith partnerships through The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) is critical not only for defending Israel but also for protecting the shared values of Canada, the U.S., and Israel, especially in the face of rising terrorism and extremism. The advocacy efforts of AGPI are rooted in defending the democratic values that unite these nations—freedom, human rights, and the rule of law—while standing firm against forces that seek to destabilize both the West and Israel.

1. Defending Israel as a Democracy and an Ally: Israel is a close ally of both Canada and the U.S., sharing fundamental values such as democracy, individual freedoms, and the commitment to peace and security. AGPI’s defense of Israel is not just about protecting a nation under siege but also about standing up for the very principles that Canada and America hold dear. By fostering interfaith partnerships, AGPI brings together diverse communities to support Israel, recognizing that its defence is tied to safeguarding democracy and freedom across the world.
2. Protecting Shared Democratic Values: The democratic values that underpin Canadian, American, and Israeli societies—freedom of speech, respect for human rights, equality, and justice—are under threat from terrorism and radical ideologies. AGPI’s interfaith outreach emphasizes that defending Israel is part of a broader effort to protect these values globally. By uniting people of different faiths, AGPI reinforces the message that the defence of democracy transcends borders and that standing with Israel is synonymous with standing for the freedoms that all democracies cherish.
3. Standing Against Terrorism That Seeks to Undermine Society: Terrorism, whether targeting Israel or the West, aims to unravel the social and democratic fabric of countries like Canada, the U.S., and Israel. AGPI’s work underscores the importance of a united front against terrorism, emphasizing that the attacks on Israel’s security are part of a larger effort to destabilize the very foundations of free societies. By building interfaith partnerships, AGPI strengthens a collective stand against terrorism and extremism, showing that defending Israel is critical to defending the safety, security, and democratic values of Canada and America as well.
4. Strengthening Social Cohesion and Moral Leadership: AGPI’s interfaith partnerships also help preserve the social fabric of Canadian and American societies, which are increasingly threatened by radicalism, antisemitism, and extremist ideologies. By uniting Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and other communities around the defence of Israel, AGPI fosters mutual respect and dialogue, reinforcing the democratic values of inclusivity and justice. This moral leadership is vital in ensuring that terrorism and radicalism do not erode the shared values that hold Western societies together.
5. A Collective Defense of Freedom and Democracy: The defence of Israel is directly linked to the defense of Canadian and American values. As AGPI advocates for Israel’s right to security and peace, it also promotes the importance of defending freedom, justice, and the rule of law in the broader world. In the face of rising global extremism, AGPI’s message is clear: standing with Israel means standing up for the principles that have shaped Canadian and American democracies—values that are critical to maintaining peace, prosperity, and security.

Through interfaith partnerships, AGPI builds a coalition of voices committed to defending not only Israel but the shared democratic values of Canada, the U.S., and Israel. In this way, AGPI ensures that terrorism and extremism, which threaten the social fabric of both Israel and the West, are met with a united front—one that champions freedom, democracy, and human dignity across all nations.