Reisman and Schwartz Bolt to Tories

By now, most Liberals are aware that two prominent Liberals and lifeling party backers, Heather Reisman (Chapters/Indigo) and Gerry Schwartz (Onex Corp.) have defected to the Conservatives for only one reason: Harper's unwavering support Israel's campaign in Lebanon.

This has created quite a stir among Liberals, myself included. The defection of Reisman and Schwartz is a huge blow to our party and it comes at an inoportune time.

In my opinion, Reisman and Schwartz are opportunists who must have other reasons for making the switch and are using Israel as a likely excuse. Perhaps their views are better represented by Harper's Neocons or maybe they believe that the tides are turning in Canada and that the Liberal Party is finished.

Whatever their reasons are, they are wrong. Leaving a party over one issue is simply preposterous.

The Liberal Party is not anti-Israel. The Liberal party is not neutral between Israel and Hezbollah, the Liberal Party supports Israel's right to exist and right to defend itself 100% as everyone should.

However, we must call for a ceasefire, to end this conflict before more innocent lives are lost. Israel is only endangering its security by annihilating Lebanon. That is what the Liberal Party stands for.

Reisman and Schwartz have shown themselves to be pure, political opportunists and quite frankly the Liberal Party is better off without them.

I urge all Jewish Liberals to remain in the Liberal Party and all Jewish people in Canada to continue their support for the party.

All Liberals support Israel, all Liberals support the innocent Lebanese people and all Liberals stand for peace.