Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke fiercely in defence of Israel Monday, accusing critics of anti-Semitism, vowing to stand with the country, and drawing heckles from two legislators who eventually stormed out of his speech to the Knesset.
"Through fire and water, Canada will stand with you," Harper said in closing his speech to Israel's parliament, echoing a prayer that is said on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
The two hecklers, Ahmad Tibi and Abu Arar, are Arab-Israeli members of the Knesset from a small coalition party called Ra`am-Ta`al-Mada.
They walked out part way through the speech as Harper spoke out against what he said is anti-Semitic criticism of Israel.
The remaining legislators rose in a standing ovation for Harper, one of many throughout his speech, as the two hecklers left the Israeli parliament.
Harper is the first Canadian prime minister to address the Knesset.
In his speech, Harper spoke of the long ties between the two countries, and said Israel and Canada share the same democratic values.
read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stephen-harper-vows-loyalty-to-israel-in-speech-to-knesset-1.2503393