Letter to editor: Block pro-Hamas demos, McEwen says

As an eighth generation Canadian and a proud Member of the Order of Canada, I am appalled by our city government in Toronto, and of those communities across our country that have permitted demonstrations by supporters of Hamas. This is a terrorist organization, recognized as such by our federal government and many others around the world.

This organization is committed to genocide, to obliterate Israel and the Jewish people. How can we, as Canadians, stand silent when their hateful speech fills our streets, our media, our homes. We should never tolerate their behaviour, their hate speech and their celebration of killing defenceless Israelis.  

If these demonstrators want to save Palestine and all who live there, they should start by calling for the immediate removal of Hamas and the return of the innocent individuals that Hamas kidnapped. The horrific tragedies first in Israel and now in Palestine are the result of one and only one group. It is the demented leadership of Hamas. They knew that their barbaric slaughter of defenceless men, women, children and babies would provoke a rapid and punishing response from Israel. This is exactly what Hamas wanted to happen! 

Hamas has willingly and deliberately decided to sacrifice the lives of thousands of their own people, the enormous destruction of homes and businesses and the dislocation of hundreds of thousands. What these monsters have done is to ignite an inferno that has turned lives of both Palestinians and Israelis into a terrible nightmare. It could soon turn the Middle East into a living hell. 

World War III

If Hamas is allowed to continue with their heinous crimes against their own citizens and Israelis, it will draw other countries into the conflict. It could embroil the entire world and trigger World War III. We must prevent this possible outcome. The world needs to eliminate Hamas!  

Regarding the demonstrators, I hope they will contain their anger and animosity. Canada is a country that accepts peoples from around the world, but they should never think that we will accept or tolerate their hatred of others. If they are unwilling to leave their anger and prejudices behind, then we as Canadians should actively encourage them to leave our fair land. Their hatred is abhorrent, unwelcome and has no place in Canada.  

Rob McEwen, CM 

Rob McEwen was the founder of Goldcorp and more recently McEwen Mining (TSX: MUX; NYSE: MUX), where he is chairman. This letter appears in the November print edition of The Northern Miner.