FOR THE RECORD — This weekend saw the worst attack against Israel in 50 years. Israel’s Ambassador-designate IDDO MOED called Playbook to discuss what happened, how tech companies and government regulators’ can play a role — as well as why he believes Iran is a culprit, despite an Israel Defense Force spokesperson stating “We have no evidence or proof” of Tehran’s involvement. Moed has been on the job for six weeks but has yet to present his credentials to Governor General MARY SIMON. The technicality means he can’t meet directly with elected officials, which would make his job of shoring up political support tricky. But Moed landed in a country led federally by politicians who have offered only unwavering support for Israel. This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. How are you doing? How is your family? Considering the circumstances, me and my family are fine. But we are very worried about the situation in Israel. Can you help us understand what Israel's short-term needs are from Ottawa? First and foremost, political and moral support for its combat against terrorism, for the fight against terrorism, and specifically against Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. And, of course, looking at Iran as a player that is behind these attacks as a source for further escalation in the region. You mentioned Iran. You told The Canadian Jewish News that you think Iran is behind the Hamas attack. Secretary of State ANTONY BLINKEN told CNN on Sunday that the U.S. has yet to see evidence of Iran’s link. French President EMMANUEL MACRON has said the same . Is there evidence to back the claim that there’s a connection to Iran? There have been some recent publications that already point to statements made by Hamas leaders to that effect. But if we look at the circumstances in the Middle East [during the] last few weeks in August, and we see the meetings that were taking place between the heads of the Al-Quds Force, which is the chief initiator of global terrorism, and we see they've met with heads of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations, like Hezbollah in Beirut, with the presence of the Iranian minister of foreign affairs, then you see there is a clear link. All in all, it's clear that there is direct involvement in what is happening right now. And beyond that, the context, the praise that they received from Tehran, from the highest leadership, from President EBRAHIM RAISI and others, the cheers in the streets — all of that points to very clear support — material and moral support and political support — for Hamas and Palestinian organizations. You’ve yet to present your credentials to the governor general so you can’t make direct contact with Canadian politicians until that takes place. Has this complicated your work in Ottawa over the last few days? The question of the support and friendship and solidarity from Canada to Israel is very clear, very strong and very solid. This is the most important aspect of my duty here. How that is happening, how that is expressed, that's sort of a side issue. For example, [on Monday night], at the Jewish Community Center, there was an event taking place expressing solidarity. It was solidarity of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, with Israel with the presence of the prime minister with the presence of the official head of the opposition, and I was there, the mayor of Ottawa — and all of us together. We're supporting, expressing the same thing. Israel is in a time of danger. Israel requires support. Israel has the right to defend itself. And we’re all there together in it. Israel is looking to the United States for additional aid. Is political instability in Washington a factor in Israel’s requests for munitions and aid help? I can't comment on what is happening in Washington. In response to the attacks, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared war on Hamas and a total blockade of the Gaza Strip. How will that affect Palestinians’ daily lives going forward, specifically civilians who’ve had nothing to do with the attacks? We have to consider that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip’s lives have been taken hostage by Hamas terror organizations for years. They have not been able to develop themselves. They have not been able to benefit from money from the international community, from donors from the international community, from billions and billions of dollars that were all siphoned to create this enormous war mechanism, with tunnels, with rockets, with weapons, with drones — with all the technology and the capabilities they've developed — all of that was money that was taken away from the Palestinians in Gaza. Israel, right now, is reacting and has declared war on Hamas terrorism. Terrorists hide within the population. Still, Israel does its utmost to prevent innocent bystanders from being harmed. But at the same time, we have to defend the people of Israel. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of them have been slaughtered. This cannot continue. So this is a war. Outside of the conflict zone, there’s a perennial risk of antisemitism spreading. Graphic videos shared on social media are potential conduits for this — and it’s also media that can inflict trauma on viewers. What are your thoughts on what diaspora Jews and and non-Jews can do to mitigate the spread of antisemitism at this time? Is there a role for tech companies to play? That's a very timely question. We have to address antisemitism and the spread of hatred in general, and the spread of extreme violent content in media in any possible way. We have to stand up against this. And we have to understand this is important because otherwise people's brains are washed by the most incredulous images and the result is what we've seen — barbaric behavior. What we need is both the private sector and the government regulators to come together quickly, and come up with ideas, concrete steps, to mitigate this. This goal is global. It's not just in Israel or Canada. It's a global thing because the internet is global. That is really required right now, immediately. What’s a concern or question you haven’t stopped thinking about since Oct. 7? I'll tell you. The history of the people of Israel is long. Many times they, whoever they were, tried to kill us, to eliminate us. They never succeed. The question that I ask myself: What will be the price? Because it's going to be a heavy price. But we will persevere. We will endure. We will overcome this. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind about that. The question is, what will be the price? — Other views: Playbook reached out to the Palestinian general delegation in Ottawa for comment on Israel’s total blockade of Gaza, but did not receive a response by deadline. | 
