Human Rights and Social Justice

At CIJA, we believe in the foundational democratic freedoms and values of Canadian society.

We are committed to working with government and all like-minded groups to ensure that Canada remains a country where all citizens – irrespective of gender, race or creed – enjoy equal protections and opportunities.

Throughout its history, Canada’s Jewish community has been a proud advocate for social justice and human rights, rooted in Jewish tradition, ethics, and values.

The role of Jewish Canadians in the birth of Canada’s labour movement and the community’s ongoing efforts to advance social progress embody a commitment to real and positive change.

Together, we can improve the lives of all who call Canada home.

Antisemitism

Policy Brief: The IHRA Definition

Antisemitism is rising at an alarming rate in this country, and that should worry all Canadians.

Letter to the AG of Saskatchewan regarding vile antisemitism

As Jewish community leaders at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations across Canada, we are writing to you on a matter of some urgency.

Anti-Discrimination

Support Black Communities

We have been listening to members of the Black community in Canada, learning about the hatred and racism that exists against their community. Listening is important. But it must be paired with action.

Conversation with the Federation of Black Canadians

Anti-Black racism is present everywhere, including in Canada. We stand with our friends in the Black community. We are listening. We are hearing. We are learning.

CIJA welcomes Supreme Court of Canada ruling to uphold the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act

CIJA) welcomes the ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada to uphold the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act. This is a victory for all Canadians, ensuring greater protection of their genetic information.

Combating Online Hate

Addressing Rising Antisemitism Online

We have recently experienced a worrisome uptick in antisemitic activities online, which has generated significant alarm within our community.

Not On My Feed

The House of Commons Justice Committee recently announced it is launching a study on this issue.

Canadian Coalition to End Online Hate

Let’s make 2021 the year we eliminate online hate in Canada

2020 was challenging. In addition to the horror of disease, the pandemic brought other troubling developments, including a sharp rise in hatred disseminated online. Canadians are clearly immune neither to the pandemic nor to the growing hate it appears to be exacerbating.

Disabilities & Inclusion

Letter to House of Commons Standing Committee

CIJA wrote to Members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Indigenous

CIJA supports Bill C-15

CIJA wrote a letter to Minister Lametti, in support of Bill C-15, an Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that was tabled today in the House of Commons.

CIJA Backs Push to Revitalize Indigenous Languages

A Canadian Jewish advocacy group is pushing the federal government to do more to revitalize dying Indigenous languages, drawing a comparison between the plight of those languages and the revival of Hebrew.

Implement UNDRIP

An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was given Royal Assent in June 2021. Entrenching UNDRIP in Canadian law demonstrates our collective commitment to upholding the promises made to Indigenous peoples.

Social Policy

LGBTQ2+

Pride 2020 Reimagined

Although this year might be different, our unwavering commitment remains the same. We are showing up to amplify and celebrate queer and trans Jewish voices, experiences, and identities.

All Blood is Equal

The time has come for action. An open-letter to federal decision makers on Canada’s discriminatory blood donation ban.

CIJA’s Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau on Blood Ban Policy

CIJA wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to urge the Government of Canada and Canadian Blood Services to take immediate steps to end Canada’s discriminatory blood ban policy and adopt screening standards consistent with both science and the growing international consensus.

Support for Refugees

Support refugees fleeing persecution and genocide

As a community with a history of fleeing persecution, Jewish Canadians have played a significant role in supporting refugees. Through synagogues and agencies such as JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) Toronto, Jewish Canadians have sponsored many Yazidi, Syrian and other regional refugees through private sponsorships.

A letter to The Minister of Foreign Affairs

We are writing to express our grave concern regarding the systematic persecution of LGBTQ+ people in Tanzania, which is a significant recipient of Canadian aid. We encourage the Government of Canada to continue applying – and increasing – diplomatic pressure against the Government of Tanzania to end this heinous campaign.

Genocide Awareness & Prevention

We will not remain silent in the face of the continuing genocide of the Uyghur people

A classified Chinese government document suggests that there may be up to 1,400 extrajudicial internment facilities in total, excluding prisons, with capacities ranging up to more than 30,000 detainees.

It Starts With Words

Genocide is not simply a topic of the past. There are countless people around the world today who are persecuted and murdered because of who they are: Yezidis in Iraq, LGBTQ2+ people in Chechnya and Iran, and Rohingya in Myanmar. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that Canada’s refugee system is flexible, responsive, and effective in delivering emergency assistance to such groups. This is a matter of life and death.