For Canadian political observers, a profound shift has occurred, one that has not only shocked the Canadian Jewish community but has also signaled a disturbing departure from a long-held consensus of unwavering support for Israel, Canada’s steadfast ally. The Liberal Party, once a bastion of inclusive and balanced foreign policy, has seemingly forsaken these principles, particularly in its recent alignment with the NDP motion condemning Israel and calling for a cessation of arms exports to the country. This act alone has sent ripples through our community, challenging the very foundation of Canada's historical stance on Israel and its security needs — especially now.

The stark reality of this betrayal was underscored by the fact that only three Liberal MPs stood against this motion, showcasing a disturbing conformity within party ranks. Among those who dissented was Anthony Housefather, a Jewish MP whose very contemplation of leaving the Liberal Party speaks volumes about the internal conflict and moral quandary faced by those who still hold fast to principles of justice and allyship. The events in Ottawa this week are a clarion call to our community to vote against the Liberal party and its enablers.

Equally jarring was the sight of NDP MPs donning keffiyehs during the vote, a disturbing gesture that marks a significant pivot from the party's historical support of the Jewish community. This act, coupled with the questionable leadership of Jagmeet Singh, underscores a disheartening shift in the party’s stance, moving away from a balanced and informed dialogue on the complexities of conflict in the middle-east towards a one-sided condemnation of Israel.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's inability to marshal his caucus into a unified stance only exacerbates the issue, revealing a leadership that appears more concerned with playing both sides of the aisle rather than taking a definitive stance. At a time when clear leadership is needed more than ever, Trudeau's vacillation on the Hamas attacks not only undermines Canada's long-standing international relationships but also signals a troubling ambiguity in matters of grave importance.

The October 7th attacks by Hamas against innocent lives in Israel should have galvanized our nation into unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and solidarity with the victims. Instead, what we witnessed was an unsettling alignment of Canadian political voices with narratives that serve to vilify Israel's right to defend itself, further isolating the Jewish community at a time when support and solidarity are most needed.

The implications of these actions by the Liberal Party and its allies are clear and deeply concerning. It's not just a departure from a historical support of Israel but an affront to the Canadian Jewish community, whose ties to Israel are not just political but deeply personal. The message sent by these political maneuvers by our Prime Minister is unmistakable: our concerns, our security, and our voices are secondary to political expediency.

It is incumbent upon us, as a community, to stand firm in the face of this abandonment. Upcoming by-elections — let alone a general election — present not just an opportunity but a duty to express our disillusionment and resolve. It is essential to send a clear message to Prime Minister Trudeau and his party that the abandonment of the Jewish community will bear a political cost, and one that will not soon be forgotten.

The time for equivocation is over. Solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community must not be a matter of political convenience but a steadfast principle. Our response in the face of this betrayal will define not only our community's resilience but also the very values that Canada purports to uphold.