Cloudy with light rain this morning. High 72F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80.. Cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Updated: July 11, 2024  10:46 am. . . Israel ConsulGeneral Paul Hirschson presents Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi with a "Friend of Israel" plaque. Israel ConsulGeneral Paul Hirschson honoured Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi, as well as the town, during a recent council meeting, and presented the Mayor with a "Friend of Israel" plaque. Levi has been outspoken in his support for Israel on X, formerly Twitter. Recently, Hirschson bestowed the same honour on author and commentator Douglas Murray, who spoke before a cheering crowd of 1,400 at the Chevra last month. The Mayor and Murray were amongst numerous recipients of the honour in Quebec, including Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather and The Suburban's Editor Beryl Wajsman. "I just wanted to come here and say thank you to all of Hampstead, who have been such wonderful supporters of Israel, always," the ConsulGeneral said. "It's easy in the good times, and you've also been supporters in the last nine months during the difficult times and that has really been appreciated.". Hirschson thanked the town for lowering its flags following the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack, and for passing the bylaw against the removal of posters of hostages held by Hamas. Levi pointed out that the ConsulGeneral attended a Hampstead meeting 10 days after Oct. 7. "Since then, it's been very difficult, not just for Israel, but Jews all over the world, nonJews all over the world, and it's really been a hot mess everywhere," the Mayor added. "But last time you were here, I spoke very strongly and fiercely of not just my support, not just council's support, but the entire community, and I speak on behalf of Hampstead when I tell you that Hampstead unequivocally, unapologetically stands with Israel. It will be like that indefinitely. There have been times when we have greatly disagreed with our own country's stand on Israel, we have not been shy to vocalize that.". Levi said that the town is much more than friends of Israel, "we are family, and it will remain like that. Thank you very much for this award.". After the meeting,The Suburbanasked Levi to expand on a recent X post in which he wrote "I am more concerned with getting rid of Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party for the sake of our country than my own victory in Hampstead." Unless the minority Trudeau government falls, the federal election will overlap with the Montreal island municipal election campaigns. Levi toldThe Suburbanthat "I said back in March that this was after the NDPled antiIsrael motion in the House of Commons I will support the Conservative candidate, whoever it is, and that I particularly hoped it would be Anthony Housefather. "It's very important for us as a community to have a seat at the table so that our voices can be heard. When I look at what's going on, this is much bigger than me individually as an elected official. I am looking for what is in the best interest of our community as a whole. I will put more effort into campaigning for the Conservative candidate than I will for my reelection because that is more important for me and my family, more important for my neighbours, it's more important for my town and it's more important for my community.". joelthesuburban.com. . . . . . . Log In. Sign up for The Suburban eMail lists. Success!An email has been sent towith a link to confirm list signup. Error!There was an error processing your request. Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
Mayor Jeremy Levi of Hampstead is honored by the Israel Consul General Paul Hirschson for his outspoken support for Israel. The town has been recognized for its unwavering support during difficult times. Levi emphasized the community's strong relationship with Israel, describing it as a family bond. Additionally, Levi expressed his prioritization of supporting a Conservative candidate over his own re-election in the upcoming federal election to ensure the community's voice is heard.