MONTREAL -- Former U.S. secretary of state Colin Powell praised Stephen Harper's government Tuesday night for its strong support of Israel in its fight against Hezbollah.
Powell told a Montreal audience that Canada has stood out with its unequivocal backing for Israel during its campaign to defeat Hezbollah's forces in southern Lebanon.
"I thank Canada for standing firm with Israel and the United States in this time of difficulty," Powell told 700 people at a fundraising dinner organized by the Montreal branch of the Jewish National Fund.
The 105-year-old JNF develops land and infrastructure in Israel and is best known for planting trees in former desert areas.
The event honoured Montreal real estate developer David Azrieli, who has extensive property holdings in Canada and Israel, including the landmark Azrieli shopping and hotel complex in Tel Aviv.
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