I spent the morning with 🇨🇦 Embassy colleagues
@Yadvashem
. At the same time, a Hamas terrorist was attacking in the Old City. We condemn this act of terrorism, which reminds us that antisemitism is a present and future threat. It does not only live in the past.
On their way. First two assisted departure flights from Tel Aviv left today with more than 250 Cdns on board. An awesome Embassy team with support from across gov’t, delivering on our most important job - helping Canadians in need. More flights in the coming days.
As part of the horrific massacre, women and girls were victims of rape, mutilation and torture. The world has been too silent but Canada
#believesIsraeliwomen
. I believe Israeli women. 2/2
🧵1/2 There has been a lot of denial about the sexual violence that was perpetrated on Oct 7 by Hamas terrorists. Why do I
#BelieveIsraeliWomen
? I have read and heard testimony from victims, witnesses, first responders, hostpital & morgue workers.
#16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV
Embassy staff are hard at work provide support and services to Canadians in need. If you need support please contact our HQ in Ottawa - this is the best way to quickly put you in touch with the people who can serve you best. +1 613 996 8885 or sos
@international
.gc.ca 2/3
Tomorrow launches 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, an international campaign with deep roots in Canada. This year, the Embassy will focus attention on the atrocities committed against Israeli women and girls on Oct 7, by Hamas terrorists. 1/2
Flights 7 & 8 on track for departure today from 🇮🇱. We anticipate that after today, 1000 Canadians and permanent residents will have been assisted in departing Israel.
Heartbroken to confirm that a young Canadian lost his life in this morning's reprehensible terror attack in Jerusalem. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to others wounded in this attack. Canada continues to condemn all forms of terror.
Terrible attack yesterday in Hadera, the second recent attack to be claimed by a terrorist group. 🇨🇦 condemns terrorism and stands with 🇮🇱Our condolences to the loved ones of the victims.
Flights five and six departing 🇮🇱 today. The Embassy is open and if you are a 🇨🇦 citizen wishing to depart Israel, please call, text or email as noted below to register for a spot on a flight in the coming days.
Terrible news of another terror attack on civilians in Elad, on the Independence Day holiday. We condemn terror unreservedly, and stand with the people of Israel.
Appalling scenes from the funeral procession of Shireen Abu Akleh. Heavy use of force by Israeli security unnecessarily inflamed an already difficult situation. Mourners should have been given the space to grieve in dignity.
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Deborah Lyons as Canada’s new Special Envoy on preserving Holocaust remembrance and combatting antisemitism.
Canadians in Kenya - there are still commercial flights available, but window is rapidly closing. If you are a Canadian in Kenya wanting to return to Canada, please contact us immediately through nrobi.consular
@international
.gc.ca
My first week in
#Israel
has been amazing – even if I can’t leave my house yet 😊 ( but here are my quarantine buddies) Lots of emails, calls and conversations but now it’s Friday, my first Shabbat in
#TelAviv
and I plan to slow things down and enjoy the quiet. Shabbat Shalom.
Vivian Silver was a good friend to many who have passed through the Embassy over the years. We are heartbroken to learn of her confirmed death at the hands of Hamas terrorists on Oct 7. May her memory be a blessing. She leaves behind a mighty legacy of peace building.
Canada supports the historic Status Quo in Jerusalem. We oppose actions that risk destabilization and undermine the prospects for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for the Palestinian and Israeli people.
Today is the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
#Kwibuka
. My time as High Commissioner to Rwanda is coming to an end, but I will carry the stories that I have heard, and the lessons that were learned, with me always.
#weremember
It's raining in Nairobi today, and I like to think the rain is washing away the last bits of 2020 and cleansing our way to 2021. Wishing everyone near and far all of the best for the coming year.
#wellmeetagainwhoknowswherewhoknowswhen
Thrilled to have arrived in Nairobi as Canada's High Commissioner-designate to Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda; Ambassador to Somalia, Burundi; Perm Rep to UN Nairobi.
@SaraHradecky
has left big shoes to fill! Can't wait to get started.
So honoured to have presented my credentials yesterday to
@PresidentRuvi
. The affection that His Excellency holds for 🇨🇦 was heart warming. We spoke about the deep ties between 🇨🇦 🇮🇱 and our commitment to maintaining a strong relationship. Thank you for the warm welcome!
Reminded a friend today of my favourite Desmond Tutu quote. Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. Times are tough now for many but remember that your little bit of good matters a lot to someone. Carry on.
Having spent the last thirteen years working in and around Africa, it will be hard to leave this beautiful continent. I will carry your warmth, energy and spirit with me always. Asante sana.
Very concerning news in Somalia for early marriage and women & girls' rights. Proposed new bill would allow child marriage and violate Somalia's int'l commitments. Original Sexual Offenses Bill
#sob
approved by Cabinet 2 years ago should be given a first hearing.
@MwomenHRD
Honoured to have presented my credentials yesterday to H.E. President Mohamed accrediting me as Canada's Amb to Somalia. Among other things we discussed Cdn assistance to Somalia, and how Cdn-Somalis are contributing to both of our countries.
#ourdiversityisourstrength
Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel. These acts of violence are completely unacceptable. We stand with Israel and fully support its right to defend itself. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this. Civilian life must be protected.
Honoured to have presented my credentials today to President
@UKenyatta
. Thank you for the warm welcome
@StateHouseKenya
. We have so much to build on, starting with the follow-up to the
@BlueEconomy2018
. Very excited for the next few years!
Aujourd'hui est la Journée internationale de réflexion sur le génocide de 1994 contre les Tutsi au Rwanda
#Kwibuka
. Mon mandat de Haute-Commissaire au Rwanda touche à sa fin, mais je porterai toujours avec moi les histoires que j'ai entendues et les leçons apprises.
She is valued 👩🏿
She is important 👧🏻
She deserves a life free from violence 🙅🏽♀️
Today is the International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women & marks the start of
#16DaysofActivism
.
Together we must all work to end
#ViolenceAgainstWomen
&
#GenderBasedViolence
.
Today marks 1000 days that Canadians
#MichaelKovrig
and
#MichaelSpavor
have been unjustly and arbitrarily detained in China. Thinking of them today as well as GAC colleagues across the globe working hard to
#bringthemhome
The laying of the wreath at Remembrance Day ceremonies is a high honour on the calendar of Canadian Ambassadors and High Commissioners. Very honoured to have these fine
@CanadianForces
members on our
@CanHCKenya
team. Thank you for your service.
Shocked at the stories that continue to surface following yesterday’s brutal terror attack.Our condolences to those who have been-or have had loved ones-affected. In this small country my guess is that most people know someone who has suffered a loss, as we do at the Embassy. 1/3
So very sad to hear the news from Ethiopia. Our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones. I am about to board a flight, and so also thinking of flight crews everywhere who will be feeling this loss too.
Also, I kind of loved sitting in this seat, and if this diplomacy thing doesn’t work out I think I would like to be a
@RCAF_ARC
pilot. Never too late to learn, right?
@CAFinUS
Road trip to Eshkol Region today, which was hit by almost 2000 rockets in May. I saw beauty, strength and resilience of the human spirit. And now have a new retirement dream of a kibbutz in the Negev.
Taking a quiet moment of reflection today to remember those who lost their lives 26 years ago in the Genocide Against the Tutsi. Also thinking of those who are having to mourn in a different way this year while in isolation. We remember
#kwibuka26
Yesterday Canada co-sponsored the first ever Iftar & Interfaith Dialogue held at UN in Nairobi, on the margins of the first ever UN Habitat Assembly. Proud to be part of this, great beginnings. Diversity=Strength. Inclusion means everyone.
@UNHABITAT
@MaimunahSharif
@CanHCKenya
Les 2 premiers départs assistés de Tel Aviv a décollé aujourd'hui, avec plus que 250 Cdns à bord. Une formidable équipe de l’ambassade bénéficiant du soutien de tout le gouv 🇨🇦 réalisant le travail le plus important que font les missions à l'étranger : aider les Cdns le besoin.
I'm disappointed at the expulsion of
@CBCNews
journalists from Uganda. It’s essential to let all media (domestic & foreign) do their job freely and without restriction or threat.
When we
#DefendMediaFreedom
, we defend all democracies and their citizens.
Honored to have placed the wreath this morning with our CAF colleagues at the Ngong Road War Cemetery. We also placed small wreaths on the graves of the four Canadians who are buried here. We will remember them.
I spent the day today at a Kenyan Polytechnic inspired and excited by the bright minds and futures of these young people. 30 years ago today 14 women were killed in the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal because they were women. We do not forget and we keep fighting
#endGBV
#16days
Delighted to have launched this project today. Working with
@UNFPA_SOMALIA
@MoH_Somalia
and
@Canadamidwives
we will train midwives in Somalia, and provide them with support to serve their communities safely during the COVID pandemic.
#together
Remembering this today, as we say a final farewell to
@Blackberry
. When I left Zim I handed my unit to
@HCKumarGupta
with the bite marks still on it (yes, I sanitized first..).
We’re in Uganda this week! Meeting Cdn Forces members flying supplies for
@UNPeacekeeping
missions. Then UNHCR
@Refugees
and partners delivering Cdn humanitarian aid. Finally meeting CSO, business, govt, and fellow Cdns. Follow along
@CanadainUganda
The Canadian High Commission was so proud to be associated with the
#FacesofMsPresident
, and I am proud to know these impressive women who continue to lift up those around them.
Terrible, terrible attack last night in the heart of Tel Aviv. Sincere condolences to those affected and their loved ones. Easter, Passover, Ramadan all come together this month. This is meant to be a time of peace.
Super excited to announce the launch of the first call for proposals under our Women's Voice and Leadership project. Looking to strengthen women-led grassroots women's rights organizations in Kenya. Deadline is March 2. More details here
So saddened by the horrifying and senseless attack yesterday in Mogadishu. Our sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones, their lives interrupted.
Gold for the 🇨🇦 women’s hockey team! Well done ladies, and nice to see the 🇮🇱 women with their bronze. First time women’s hockey has been played at the Maccabiah games.
@MaccabiCanada
Tonight, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Watch Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s message wishing everyone celebrating a blessed, peaceful, and joyful
#Hanukkah
↓
Les vols 7 et 8 sont en bonne voie pour décoller aujourd'hui d'🇮🇱. Nous prévoyons qu'après aujourd'hui, 1 000 Canadiens/Canadiennes et résidents permanents auront reçu de l'aide pour quitter Israël.
Shocked, saddened to hear of the death of respected reporter Shirene Abu Akleh. We welcome Israel’s offer of a joint investigation with the PA. A thorough and transparent investigation is essential. Safety of journalists in conflict must be protected.
Delighted to be sponsoring and participating in this ICPD25 pre-event on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women with Disabilities.
#inclusion
@lizziekiama
Today is 🇨🇦s first Nat’l Day of Truth and Reconciliation. We honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools. Our flags remain at half-mast. We wear our orange shirts, and we remember.
@CanEmbIsrael
And now for something completely different. I am in Abu Dhabi for the World Urban Forum. Looking forward to meeting the Canadians who are here from across the country, working on making our cities safe, inclusive and sustainable.
This tweet below is from one month after my arrival in Israel. The kibbutz I mentioned - pictured below - is Kibbutz Be'eri, which lost more than 100 residents in Saturday's attack. Heartbreaking.
Road trip to Eshkol Region today, which was hit by almost 2000 rockets in May. I saw beauty, strength and resilience of the human spirit. And now have a new retirement dream of a kibbutz in the Negev.
Happy IDAHOTB! We are flying our rainbow flag with
#pride
today. LGBTQ2 rights are human rights, universal and indivisible. This year marks 50 years of decriminalization in Canada because “the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation”.
“I’m horrified by the news from London, Ontario. To the loved ones of those who were terrorized by yesterday’s act of hatred, we are here for you. We are also here for the child who remains in hospital - our hearts go out to you, and you will be in our thoughts as you recover.”
.
@IrwinCotler
, Canada's Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism. joined us
@yadvashem
. We discussed the recent rise of antisemitism in Canada & the world & how we can work together to combat this hatred.
Canada has been a long and proud supporter of AIMS. Our last project focussed on women in math, and climate change research. Please have a look at this impressive woman. 👇 This is what
#womeninstem
looks like. Well done Clemencia, well done
@AIMS_Next
@PaulaCaldwell13
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
"In
#Kenya
, we sometimes have floods or dry spells & people die as a result. I intend to use my master's in machine learning to put in place prediction measures and create solutions such as building dams to collect water and avoid flooding,"Clemencia Siro, AMMI Student, 2019-20.
We have today attended a public gathering with various sections of the society to express collective outrage against the growing gender-based violence incidents, showed strong support to the Sexual Offenses Bill (SOB), as submitted by the Executive in 2018.
#Somalia
#passSOB2018
Canada has been part of the
#COVAX
initiative from the start because no one is safe until everyone is safe. A global outbreak requires a global response.
#COVAX
reached several milestones this past week with its 1st shipments and doses administered in Africa. That was just the beginning.
The largest, most complex roll-out of
#vaccines
is gaining momentum with another 11 million doses expected to be delivered in the coming days.
Congratulations to
@Isaac_Herzog
on inauguration as President of the State of Israel. We wish you the best for your term of office, and may it be a time of peace and prosperity for all.
Very saddened to have received confirmation of the death of 🇨🇦Judy Weinstein Haggai, a victim of the October 7 massacre by Hamas terrorists. She lived a life of peace. May her memory be a blessing.
We will be in Mombasa on Friday 6th Dec for a 1-day Youth & Blue Economy Conference at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic hosted by UN-Habitat and the Canadian High Commission. We encourage Blue Economy stakeholders to participate and contribute to the conversation😃
@CanHCKenya
Our mental health is as important and due to Covid-19 and how much information we are consuming within ourselves, anxiety & panic attacks could be on the rise. I am sharing a few things you can do in order to ease that. Your mental health is crucial
#KenyaIsMe
At the Bomas this morning for the launch of the
#BBIReport
. Such energy in the room, and excitement about what this report could mean for gender equality and inclusion. Kenya’s diversity is a fact; including all Kenyans in all aspects of society is a choice.
Congratulations Isaac. This was our first COVID-19 project with our Canada Fund for Local Initiatives in Kenya. You were quick to respond before the virus had even taken hold. I have to believe this has made a big difference
#Together
So honoured to have been invited to speak at the launch of the Commonwealth Business Women Network Kenya. A very impressive group of women! Women's economic empowerment is the right thing, the smart thing, and good for the bottom line.
#cbwnlaunch2019ke
Vols cinq et six partant 🇮🇱 aujourd'hui. L'ambassade est ouverte et si vous êtes un/e citoyen/ne 🇨🇦souhaitant quitter Israël, veuillez appeler, envoyer un SMS, ou un courriel comme indiqué ci-dessous pour vous inscrire pour une place sur un vol dans les prochains jours.
Ma première semaine en
#Isra
ël fut incroyable même si je ne peux pas encore sortir de chez moi 😊. Bcp de courriels, d'appels & de conversations mais auj. c'est vendredi, mon 1er shabbat à
#TelAviv
. Je prévois de ralentir le rythme & profiter du calme. Shabbat shalom!
@JimmyBianchi
Not at all. The Watch Office performs a vital triage function and can answer many questions on the spot, allowing the small but skilled embassy consular team to focus on more complex cases.
Twitter family,my lil bro has finally joined twitter.He is the farmer&is new to the platform. You can follow him on his account
@IsmailHarun_M
He is into agriculture&runs his home garden in Nairobi&farm in Garissa. He iswilling to be mentored in his agribiz work!Show him some❤️
President Kenyatta made this commitment
@WomenDeliver
in 🇨🇦 June 2019 to a standing ovation. His commitment was powerful, it is past time for others to implement.
#16DaysOfActivism
Hi Pam
@Dip_Passport
. Received my
@PafsoApase
calendar for 2021 and the photos are really striking. What a portrait of the isolation of 2020. Well done all. But I hope that my 2022 calendar is full of people hugging all through 2021. Just saying.
Olivier Mtukudzi was the soundtrack of my time in Zim. A kind and gracious man, he gave us the great honour of playing at our Canada Day reception in 2012 and my farewell to Zim in 2015. He loved Canada, and visited often, because Canadians loved him too.
#RIPOliverMtukudzi
Representing 🇨🇦 at the African Regional High-Level Conference on counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism. Good to hear
@antonioguterres
speaking about the importance of including women and youth in the conversation.
Had the opportunity to attend the event on Unlocking Opportunities for Women in Non-traditional Businesses at the Residence of High Commisioner Canada. We appreciate the unending support of
@CanHCKenya
@LisaStadelbauer
and support towards strengthening our communities.
#SDG5
We placed a 🇨🇦 wreath today honouring those who lost their lives at the Battle of Beersheba, WW1. Lest we forget. Thank you for including us
@AusAmbIsrael
.