From Heroes to Hypocrisy: Canada’s Forgotten Legacy

The values of a nation are reflected in its actions. During World War II, Canada stood as a beacon of courage and righteousness, stepping into the fray early, in 1939, to combat the tyranny of Nazi Germany. Canada played a vital role in the Battle of the Atlantic, the air war over Germany, and the campaigns in western Europe, contributing far beyond what might be expected of a small nation of only 11 million people at the time.

More than one million Canadian men and women served full-time in the armed services, and over 43,000 paid the ultimate price. Despite the bloodshed, Canada’s involvement in the war reinvigorated its industrial base, elevated the role of women in the economy, and paved the way for its eventual membership in NATO.

But today, a troubling shift has occurred—a shift that speaks volumes to Jews in Canada and around the globe about where they stand in their own homeland. Canada now joins the likes of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in targeting Israel.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has openly suggested that his government would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on war crimes charges if he were to set foot in Canada. This is the same ICC that recently issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of “crimes against humanity.”

These accusations not only distort the context of Israel's actions but actively undermine the right of any nation—including Canada or the U.S.—to defend itself from enemies who weaponize civilians as human shields.

As Senator Lindsey Graham boldly stated, “Soon, I will introduce legislation that will impose sanctions on any country that cooperates with the warrants from the Hague Court. I don't care if it’s Canada, France, Germany, or any other country. These arrest warrants are a threat to the U.S., not just Israel. We're next in line. I am convinced that President Trump will support this.”

Graham’s statement underscores a sobering reality: the ICC’s actions are not about justice but about delegitimizing Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. As Rep. Ritchie Torres aptly put it, “The ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants against the leadership of Israel represents the weaponization of international law at its most egregious.”

The ICC ignores the heinous context of this war, launched by Hamas on October 7, 2023—the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Instead, it vilifies Israel, a nation that, as the High-Level Military Group (HLMG) observed, has done more to mitigate civilian casualties during wartime than any other military in history.

Canada’s Troubling Shift - The Moral Collapse of Nations

For Canada, once a champion of freedom and justice, to align itself with these ideological crusades against Israel is a betrayal of its own legacy. During World War II, Canada’s soldiers were among the first to land on the beaches of Normandy, sacrificing their lives to protect freedom and defend the Jewish people from unspeakable evil. But now, Trudeau’s government signals to Canadian Jews that they are not safe, that their homeland will not stand for Israel and its people.

This stark departure from Canada’s wartime values highlights a dangerous trend: the erosion of moral clarity in the West.

The prophet Amos warned of the consequences when nations abandon God’s Word and righteousness. Amos preached during a time of social and cultural decay, a time much like ours. Wealth and prosperity masked the corruption of the judiciary, the exploitation of the poor, and the erosion of moral standards.

Amos declared, “This is what the Lord says” (Amos 1:3), emphasizing the authority of God’s Word. A nation that rejects His truth invites judgment. Canada, once a defender of justice, now undermines its legacy by weaponizing the ICC against Israel.

The ICC’s arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accuse Israel of crimes against humanity, ignoring the reality of Hamas’ barbaric actions and the context of Israel’s self-defense.

As Amos reminds us, the values of a nation are rooted in its relationship with God’s Word. When a nation strays from divine justice, its actions become guided not by righteousness but by the shifting sands of political expediency.

Weaponizing Law, Undermining Justice

The ICC’s case against Netanyahu and Gallant is built on lies, as outlined in Andrew Fox’s compelling brief to the court. Israel’s military has gone above and beyond its obligations under international law, facilitating over 16,000 aid convoys and building infrastructure inside Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid—all while fighting a ruthless enemy embedded within civilian populations.

To suggest that such actions constitute “war crimes” is not just a distortion of facts but an affront to every nation that values the right to self-defense.

President-elect Donald Trump’s stance on these issues also serves as a beacon of hope. He has pledged to revoke visas for foreign students involved in antisemitic violence and to cut funding to universities that fail to protect Jewish students. His administration, alongside leaders like Lindsey Graham, stands poised to challenge the ICC’s overreach and defend the values of justice and freedom.

As Modern-Day Esthers, we cannot remain silent. The ICC’s actions, Canada’s betrayal of its legacy, and the growing tide of antisemitism are not just issues for Israel—they are warnings for us all. If we do not stand against this now, the erosion of justice and the normalization of hate will consume our communities, our nations, and our future.

We must call on our leaders, our neighbors, and ourselves to uphold the values that truly make a nation great: faith, justice, and the unwavering support of God’s chosen people. As Amos reminds us, “The values of a nation are based upon their view of the authority of God’s Word.” Let us return to that foundation and rebuild a legacy of righteousness.