Today is Yom Ha’atzmaut, also known as Israeli Independence Day. A national holiday in Israel, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates the country’s declaration of independence on May 14, 1948.

The origin of Yom Ha’atzmaut can be traced to the early 20th century, when Jewish leaders advocated for the establishment of a Jewish homeland. Today, Israelis and members of the Jewish community in my riding of Eglinton–Lawrence and across Ontario celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with various activities, including parades, barbecues, concerts and dancing. Some of these events include the Schwartz/Reisman Centre JCC’s Blue and White party, which will feature delicious catering, cocktails and music performers. Families can also attend the Beth Tzedec Congregation’s Israel Creativity Fair to celebrate Israel’s ingenuity and engage in hands-on, family-friendly activities. For young adults, Hillel Ontario and StandWithUs Canada are hosting Israel at 75 club night, complete with pizza and disco music.

In the 75 years since its founding, Israel has accomplished many notable achievements in science, technology, culture and other areas. It’s home to a thriving technology sector and several innovative start-ups. As a leader in Jewish education, Israel has also strengthened Jewish identity and continues to improve Jews’ connection to Israel throughout the world.

On this day of celebration for the Jewish people and the state of Israel, I wish all Israeli Ontarians and members of the Jewish community joy, security and peace.

I have the honour today to introduce today’s page captain Claire Cross, from my riding of Eglinton–Lawrence’s Blessed Sacrament school. Her family is also here: her parents, Annamaria and David, and their son Andrew, who will likely be a page in the future, because the other son, William, was a page in 2016. I’m looking forward to having a nice chat with them.

I want to thank the Solicitor General and the Attorney General for bringing forward this bill, which I think has a lot of great stuff in it. I’m particularly excited about the changes to intimate partner violence and judicial education. I just wanted to ask the Attorney General how this will work and how we expect it will make a difference for victims of intimate partner violence.