Re: Comments of David Ahenakew - 5

Page 5

[David] Ahenakew's comments are hurtful to all of us Canadians. It is disappointing that as a community leader, in a position to guide and mentor his community, he harbors and voices such venomous and hurtful comments. However, I feel that it does demonstrate a very unsettling and disturbing trend, which causes many Canadians grave concern no matter what our background. What is most disconcerting is that Ahenakew's comments can incite acts and sentiments of hatred.

At a time when we should all be working towards respecting each other's cultural and religious background and working toward peaceful co-existence, Ahenakew's statements are truly reprehensible and destructive. There is no excuse or justification for such anti-Semitic remarks.

Art Hagopian

President, Canadian Ethnocultural Council