Local faith groups express optimism after Canada’s formal recognition of Palestine

Local faith groups are responding to Canada’s formal recognition of the state of Palestine.

Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement Sunday, saying the goal was to be a partner “in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel” through a two-state solution.

“This in no way legitimizes terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” Carney said, adding it doesn’t compromise “Canada’s steadfast support for the State of Israel, its people and their security.”

Larry Kochendorfer is bishop-elect of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, which is headquartered in Winnipeg. He called it “an important step towards justice, compassion and leadership that affirms every human being’s right to live equally, freely and peacefully. “

He went on to call on the government to move from “recognition into action,” including ending Canada’s arms transfers to Israel, supporting democratic reform, ending settler violence, ensuring humanitarian access and backing a peace process “that’s fair, inclusive and durable.”

Speaking on behalf of the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, bishop Jason Zinko expressed support.

“I also believe that reducing the overreach of the current Israeli government is critical to de-escalating the conflict and helping to achieve peace,” he said, adding the illegal settlement of the West Bank has long escalated tension and eroded trust.

Zinko stressed that he does not connect the actions of the current Israeli government to members of the Jewish community in Manitoba or Israel.

“Our church supports our Jewish neighbours and wants them to have peace and security alongside Palestine,” he said.

Byron Burkholder, chair of the Mennonite Church Canada Palestine and Israel Network, applauded Carney’s announcement.

“It aligns solidly with the efforts of our church and our Palestinian partners to work for a long-term peace in the Holy Land based on justice and international law,” he said.

Burkholder went on to call on the Canadian government to work to secure an immediate, sustained ceasefire in Gaza and to call for an end Israel’s military occupation and annexation of Palestine, paving the way for a just peace.

Ismael Mukhtar, an imam at the Manitoba Islamic Association Grand Mosque said the formal recognition affirms the right of Palestinians to have their own state and to live with dignity and full human rights.

The general sentiment in the local Muslim community is that this is a “positive step,” he said, adding it illustrates Canadian values such as peace, prosperity, security and tolerance for all.

Gustavo Zentner, who represents the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, said an end to conflict in the region is essential.

“We all seek an end to this tragic situation,” he said.

But he expressed concerns that Ottawa’s announcement failed to address the core issues of removing Hamas from power in Gaza and the release of the remaining Oct. 7 hostages.

“Those conditions must be met for recognition to be credible,” Zentner said.

He said members of the local Jewish community worry the announcement could embolden extremists in Canada, noting the rise in antisemitism in the country has put Canadian Jews on edge as they fear for their safety and security.

But moving forward is the only option, he said.

“We can’t continue this way,” he said. “We need to come to the point that we recognize the suffering of everyone in the region, Israelis and Palestinians.”

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