Haroon Siddiqui has applauded the extremely small number of Canadian Jews who have broken from the mainstream of our community to attack Israel and, more specifically, Zionism itself.

But while he apparently lauds this tiny group of Canadian Jews who relish their role as anti-Zionists, he fails to explain to his readers one pertinent fact. The "combative declaration" issued last week by 160 Jewish Canadians includes the ongoing calumny of an alleged Jewish conspiracy. According to this fringe group, "... B'nai Brith and the Canadian Jewish Congress has led campaigns to silence criticism of Israel on university campuses, in labour unions and in other groups. Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff unquestioningly echo the views of these particular Jewish organizations."

While Canadian Jewish Congress proudly wears its love and support for the Jewish state for all to see, the allegations that governments and society in general do our bidding is a stark reminder of historical poisons uttered in the past against Jews.

Bernie M. Farber, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Jewish Congress