Despite the fact that the Canadian Magen David Adom was decertified as a tax exempt charity by the Canadian government, and notwithstanding a widespread e-mail and on-line petition campaign protesting this development, it appears that CMDA "has the matter well in hand," in the words of Americans for a Safe Israel. Joseph Bitton, National President of CMDA, informed AFSI that a verbal agreement allowing CMDA to continue functioning normally was reached last October, although a written statement confirming this agreement - promised by the Charities Directorate of the Canadian government - has not yet been received. Just in case, therefore, CMDA is waiting for the Canadia Supreme Court to act on its appeal to prevent the revocation of their existing tax-exempt status.
CMDA reports, "It should be reiterated that, with the cooperation of Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, CMDA remains a fully registered charity issuing tax deductible receipts. Any initiatives at this time (i.e., petitions, letter writing campaigns, etc.,) are confusing and counter-productive; we therefore would encourage individuals to cease activities at this time."
CMDA reports, "It should be reiterated that, with the cooperation of Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, CMDA remains a fully registered charity issuing tax deductible receipts. Any initiatives at this time (i.e., petitions, letter writing campaigns, etc.,) are confusing and counter-productive; we therefore would encourage individuals to cease activities at this time."