The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs/Pacific Region, hosted a community town hall with British Columbia’s Minister of State for Multiculturalism, John Yap on Sunday. The Centre’s Director on the West Coast, Darren Mackoff brought together representatives of multiple agencies providing key services to B.C.’s Jewish community including Jewish Family Services Agency, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, the Jewish Seniors Alliance as well as multiple Rabbi’s representing various synagogues in the Lower Mainland.

Minister Yap, who was appointed Minister of State by BC Liberal Premier Christy Clark last March, met with The Centre and other community agencies in order to learn more about the issues of concern to B.C.’s Jewish community. Antisemitism, educational programs to combat racism and the need for more cross-cultural understanding between the Jewish community and other groups were some of the key topics discussed during the meeting. Also attending the roundtable, was BC Liberal MLA Moira Stilwell who represents the provincial riding of Vancouver-Langara.