Canadian MP Jason Kenney Honored by Chabad

Chabad Lubavitch of Southern Ontario honoured MP Jason Kenney with the Distinguished Public Service Award, at their 33rd annual dinner, Sunday, Dec. 4.

According to Chabad of Southern Ontario, Mr. Kenney was honoured because he “has gained popularity as a champion of human rights, is a proud supporter of Israel, and outspoken critic of all forms of racism, and hate.”

The Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto synagogue’s banquet hall was filled to capacity by supporters of both Chabad and Mr. Kenney, including visiting parliamentarian colleagues Joe Oliver, Mark Adler, Julian Fantino, Eve Adams, Bernard Trottier, and Senato Linda Frum, among others.

Rabbi Zalman Aaron Grossbaum, who has served as the Executive Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario since its inception in 1974, gave opening remarks, touting the successes of Chabad across Canada, including the newest satellite, in Saskatchewan.

Keynoting the evening was Los-Angeles based radio host and best-selling author Dennis Prager.

Alluding to the Conservative Party’s majority, right-leaning Prager said to much applause, “some of us (Americans) look at Canada favourably today.”

Heaping kudos on the National Post, he characterized it as a “treasure”, revealing that it is a frequent resource for his nationally-syndicated radio show.

“God bless you minister Kenney and God bless your government,” he said.

Prager paid homage to Chabad, and its widespread reach.

“My definition of remote now is a place without a Chabad house,” he said to audience chuckles. Why Chabad has such an impact on Jewish outreach, Prager reckons, is in part their perception that no Jew should be looked down upon, and their shaliachs’ pleasant demeanor.

Sprinkling in Hebrew and Yiddish phrases throughout his speech – welcomed by profuse applause – Kenney began by complimenting Dennis Prager for his support of Canada.

“I am prepared to swear you in as a Canadian citizen,” Kenney said to a laughing audience. “Thank you for being such a strong voice for common sense, because these days, common sense is needed.”

With fondness, Kenney described one pleasant interaction he had with young Chabadniks during Chanukah a few years ago, in New York. Jumping out of a Winnebago decorated with photos of Rabbi Shneerson, they eagerly offered him a dreidel or a menorah.

Kenney solemnly recalled when he paid an official visit to the Chabad House of Mumbai two weeks after the terror attack there in 2009. Despite the potential risk of certain countries, he said, Chabad rabbis understand the importance of great sacrifice to bring light to the world.

Kenney, also the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, praised Chabad as well.

“[Chabad extends] a joyful and lively pride for their Jewish heritage… this is a great organization. Thank you for the service you have done. Thank you for giving practical expression to the vision of the Rebbe Shneerson, and to all Canadians for the values you teach.”