B.C. Jewish Community Reacts to Human Rights Complaint Against BCTF
Vancouver, B.C. – July 2, 2024 - The Jewish community of Vancouver is grateful for the courageous efforts of a group of teachers who, earlier today, filed a human rights complaint against their union, the B.C. Teachers Federation (BCTF).
Recently, the BCTF was at the centre of antisemitism concerns when it rejected an application by the Holocaust and Antisemitism Educators Association (HAEA) to be recognized as one of the union’s Provincial Specialist Associations.
In response, Nico Slobinsky, Vice President – Pacific Region, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said:
“Since the October 7 terrorist attacks committed by Hamas, many Jewish community members are experiencing increasing antisemitism in their workplaces.
“This has been particularly hard on those working in the K-12 education sector as they try to create a safe learning environment for all students.
“I want to thank all teachers who are bravely standing up to antisemitism and look forward to this complaint coming to a satisfactory resolution.”
Also responding, Ezra Shanken, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, said:
“I hear daily from community members who feel unsafe in their places of work, including teachers and staff in K-12 education.
“Today’s complaint confirms what I, and many leaders in my community, have been hearing since October 7: Jewish community members do not feel safe in an increasing number of spaces, including their places of work and their unions.
“Often, it takes the bravery of a few to make lasting change for everyone. I hope this is one of those instances.”
-30-
Stay In the Know!
Get all the latest information from our newsletter, "This Week in Canadian Jewish Advocacy."
