Campus Advocacy 

CIJA works directly with university and college administrations to identify strategies and support implementation of policies that address antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. Our experts serve as valuable resources to university administrators, including university Presidents’ offices, EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) offices, campus security, university communications and others, as they work to prevent hate on campus. CIJA also partners with faculty organizations and student representative bodies in our efforts to ensure the Jewish community at institutions of higher learning enjoy a rewarding, safe and inclusive campus experience.   

Canada and Israel benefit from academic partnerships between the two countries, through research collaboration and student / faculty mobility. CIJA serves as an experienced point of connection among administrations, faculties, and scholars in Canada and Israel as institutions increase their offerings in these areas. Facilitated by CIJA, Canadian university administrators can build and enhance productive relationships through delegations to Israel as they leverage newly formed and established connections with Israeli institutions. 

To learn more about CIJA’s work on campus, please contact: 

Scott Goldstein 
Director, University Relations 
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs 
[email protected] 

Resources for Israel-Hamas War 2023

The Jewish campus community is experiencing unprecedented levels of antisemitism and serious concerns for personal safety. The following resources are for concerned community members looking to do more to address concerns regarding the situation on our Canadian universities and college campuses. 

Reports that raise concerns over safety and harassment have the greatest potential to be taken seriously by the institution. Hillels on campuses across Canada help students file formal complaints with their university administrators. CIJA supports students through the reporting process at campuses without a Hillel presence.  

Parents, please share these tips with your student-aged children:  

  • If you feel a threat to your safety, call 911 immediately. 
  • For non-emergencies, find the contact information for your campus security and save it in your phone. 
  • Document everything you see and experience, in and out of the classroom, even online. Take screenshots and photos, if safe to do so. This information will be useful for law enforcement and for reporting to the administration. You should share this info with your Hillel or with CIJA, even if you don't report to the administration. 
  • Locate the Code of Conduct resources on your university website and submit formal complaints using the relevant reporting procedures for that institution. Hillel is available to help you, and CIJA will help if you do not have a Hillel on your campus. 
  • Find the listing details of your campus mental health and wellness resources and take advantage of these services. 
  • Remember, you are not alone Hillel and other campus organizations are here for you! 

For non-students who want to take action, here are some important steps to consider: 

  • Write a letter to the institution with clear requests for safety and accountability using a customized version of the template below. We have also created this simple reference guide if you have a meeting with a senior administrator at the institution."   
  • Learn to advocate effectively on important issues by subscribing to CIJA’s newsletter or requesting resources from us directly, such as Top 10 Things To Know and Share. 
  • Stay informed by following @cijainfo on X/Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Add your voice to the community’s advocacy efforts by amplifying important advocacy posts on these platforms. 

For more resources, questions, and connections with Hillel or university representatives, please contact: 

Scott Goldstein 
Director, University Relations 
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs 
[email protected]

  • To be customized before sending. Recommended recipients based on relevance and your preference: University President’s Office, University Dean, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Alumni Office, Board of Governors Chair. 

    I am concerned after hearing reports from students, staff, and faculty feeling targeted by hate and harassment based on their identity at our university campuses. They continue to report feeling threatened and afraid in common spaces. Students are scared to go to class and to express their views. Their fear is not that their ideas will be subjected to uncomfortable critical inquiry, but that expressing their ideas will endanger their physical safety or lead to retaliation by instructors. This cannot be allowed to continue.  

    Some examples of what my community has witnessed on Canadian campuses and heard from Jewish campus community members these past few weeks include: 

    • Jewish students were harassed, property damaged, and even physically assaulted during hateful anti-Israel protests falsely identified as pro-Palestinian rallies 
    • Several recognized clubs, student unions, and even a university chaplain publicly condoned the terrorist actions of Hamas 
    • Posters of Israeli hostages were torn down on several university campuses 
    • Rallies on and off campus hosted by university clubs in partnership with the Palestinian Youth Movement – an organization associated with the terrorist-listed PFLP 
    • Faculty-endorsed anti-Israel sit-ins and rally participation for course credit 
    • A mezuzah was ripped from the doorpost of a Jewish student’s home on campus 
    • Many on campus are hesitating to identify outwardly as Jewish by wearing a kippah, a Star of David, or installing a mezuzah in the doorway of their dorm room 

    Jewish people in Canada and around the world are reeling from the heinous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023. This series of massacres, rapes, and kidnappings targeted innocent civilians, from infants to the elderly, and has sparked a marked increase in antisemitism –including on Canadian campuses. As I’m sure you are aware, Hamas has, for more than 20 years, been designated as a terrorist entity by Canada. Their objectives, as laid out in their founding Charter are the annihilation of Jews and the destruction of the Jewish state. 

    I am calling on your institution [my alma mater/where my child is a student] to ensure the concerns of the Jewish campus community are immediately addressed by: 

    1. Implementing a zero-tolerance policy against antisemitism and glorification of terrorism. Publicly condemn and formally investigate acts of antisemitic intimidation and glorification of terrorism, including the terrorist acts against Israeli civilians on October 7, that are on display at Canadian campuses. Make clear that all direct threats, incitement to violence, or support of international terrorism are unacceptable. 

    2. Developing a clear safety plan for students, staff, and faculty. The well-being of all students, including Jewish and Israeli students, is of paramount importance. We encourage institutions to work with campus Hillels and other key stakeholders, including campus security and local law enforcement, to develop and implement a safety plan. 

    3. Restating expectations for a safe and productive campus environment. Put an end to the toxic campus environment by clearly defining the boundaries of what is and is not condoned in the quad or the classroom and enforcing institutional policies. We ask that all campus members be reminded that academic freedom and freedom of expression are not absolute. Discrimination is not tolerated in our society. Jewish students should not be made to feel ostracized, singled out, or dismissed by educators, nor should they feel intimidated to share their opinion on Israel. 

    4. Connecting with campus Jewish organizations. We ask you to reach out to mainstream Jewish organizations and leaders serving Jewish students on campus to offer support, open clear channels of communication, and partner with them to assess and meet their needs.  

    5. Providing resources. It is imperative to share campus wellness and security resources with students, staff, and faculty to ensure the mental and physical well-being of those impacted, both directly and indirectly, by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.  

    Our community institutions – campus Hillels, local Jewish Federations, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) – are available as partners and resources to you during this difficult time. I recommend you contact CIJA (Scott Goldstein, Director of University Relations at CIJA, [email protected]) to ensure you are connected with all relevant Jewish community resources.  

    Sincerely, 
    [your name and details] 

Campus Resources 

Israel Young Leaders Program 

CIJA’s Israel Young Leaders Program (IYLP) is a highly competitive experiential learning initiative that provides Canadian student leaders with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about Israel through first-hand experience in a holistic and intellectually honest fashion. Participants spend seven days on the ground learning about Israeli history, society, politics, culture, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Learn more 

Local Hillels 

Hillel is the Jewish community organization mandated to protect and facilitate Jewish campus life and lead advocacy efforts that ensure Jewish students feel safe at all Canadian colleges and universities. Please contact your local Hillel for any questions or concerns related to Jewish student issues on Canadian campuses. 

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    Hillel Atlantic Canada
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    Hillel British Columbia
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    Hillel Calgary
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    Hillel Edmonton
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    Hillel Montreal
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    Hillel Ontario
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    Hillel Ottawa
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    Hillel Winnipeg

Report Hate

Whether online or in the real world, we track incidents of hate to measure and combat antisemitism in Canada. Use the form below to report incidence of hate to CIJA to help combat antisemitism in your community.

Act Now!