September 8, 2025
OTTAWA – The terrorist attack in Jerusalem Monday demonstrates why it would be irresponsible for the world to recognize a Palestinian state at this time, B’nai Brith Canada is warning.
“This is an appalling, unspeakable tragedy,” laments Richard Robertson, the organization’s Director of Research and Advocacy. “Canada must take note. The gunmen who massacred civilians at a bus stop in Jerusalem today entered Israel from the West Bank. It is neither demilitarized nor deradicalized. Incidents such as this underscore the reality that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is woefully ill-equipped to govern the Palestinian territories.”
In July, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada would recognize a Palestine as a state during the United Nations General Assembly, which begins this week. In his declaration, he said Canada would collaborate with the PA and its president, Mahmood Abbas. In turn, the PA said it would engage in a series of reforms, including democratic elections, disarming terror groups, and deradicalizing its population.
B’nai Brith Canada sharply criticized Prime Minister Carney’s announcement at the time, warning that the PA would not be able to uphold its end of the bargain. On Monday, Prime Minister Carney condemned the Jerusalem shooting in a social media post.
“Supporting the victims of this heinous attack and decrying terrorism is important, but it is not enough,” Robertson said. “Canada must have the temerity to hold off on recognizing a Palestinian state until there is a democratically elected government in place that can institute the reforms necessary to ensure peaceful coexistence. Thus far, and as this latest terrorist attack shows, the PA has failed to present itself as a viable solution.
“Hollow declarations of statehood by foreign countries will not bring the two parties any closer to a lasting peace and two-state solution, as is Canada’s stated policy objective.”