Canadian PM 'sensitive' to Jewish refugees

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin is probably the first western leader to acknowledge the fate of Jewish refugees from Arab lands.

Questioned by the Canadian Jewish News on the issue of the claims by Jewish refugees he appeared to be 'informed and sensitive.'

"He is aware that between 750,000 and 850,000 Jews fled Arab or Muslim countries, and noted that one of his ministers, Tunisian-born Jacques Saada, is one of them. He said he has spoken to others over the years, and has heard of their loss of property and “historic connections.”

“A refugee is a refugee. I think we’ve got to be prepared [to take Jewish claims] into consideration,” he said. However, he hinted that the circumstances of today’s refugees still living in camps may have to take priority. Article here