Despite the fact that the Canadian Magen David Adom (CMDA) 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 (AFSI).
Joseph Bitton, National President of CMDA, informed AFSI that a verbal agreement allowing CMDA to continue functioning normally was reached last October, though a written statement confirming this agreement that was promised by the Charities Directorate of the Canadian government has not yet been received. Just in case, therefore, CMDA is waiting for the Canadian 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."
Joseph Bitton, National President of CMDA, informed AFSI that a verbal agreement allowing CMDA to continue functioning normally was reached last October, though a written statement confirming this agreement that was promised by the Charities Directorate of the Canadian government has not yet been received. Just in case, therefore, CMDA is waiting for the Canadian 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."
