Get to know CIJA's Legal Task Force

This morning, The Canadian Jewish News released its latest The Daily podcast featuring a unique glimpse into the work of one of CIJA’s most impactful – yet least known – initiatives, the Legal Task Force. It meant a lot to me to sit down with host Ellin Bessner, and with Nanette Rosen, the wonderful co-chair of the Legal Task Force, to tell the full story, and I hope you take the time to listen to our conversation. 

While the Legal Task Force has been active since 2016, the sharp rise in antisemitism that followed October 7, which was felt in all parts of society, meant that we needed to ramp up our efforts exponentially to support the community.  

The mandate is to provide individuals and organizations experiencing antisemitism with legal support through advice, pro-bono representation, impact litigation, and empowerment workshops. 

Whether it's in our children's schools, on university campuses, in a union, or in the arena of international law, we are there to fight for you, for all of us. Learn more about the individual cases we're working on here.

To date, we’ve helped more than 550 community members, and I assure you that we’re not slowing down. But none of this would be possible without the team of 200+ dedicated legal professionals. It has truly been an honour and privilege to work with these men and women who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to make our country a better place for our children and future generations. We collectively owe them our gratitude!  

If you are a legal professional who would like to get involved, fill out the Legal Volunteer Survey.  

Above all else, the Legal Task Force is here to help you. If you or someone you know has been the victim of antisemitism and needs legal support, you can request legal assistance and access additional resources here.