Jewish Heritage Month Campaign Celebrates Emerging Jewish Leaders and Their Heroes

Toronto, ON – May 5, 2025 – May is Canadian Jewish Heritage Month – an opportunity to recognize prominent Canadian Jews who contributed to Canada’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. While it is important to commemorate the past, this year the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) launched a social media campaign to highlight Jewish advocates who are taking action today to shape a better future for our community and all Canadians.

Each week focuses on a different group of community advocates – educators, students, labour leaders, and legal professionals – whose stories reflect the diversity and strength of Canadian Jewish life. Participants will share their experiences, what drives them, and their #JewishHeritageHero – a person from Jewish history who has inspired them to step up.

“The current challenges facing our community are immense and can feel overwhelming, but there are also thousands of Canadian Jews who have given us hope by making a difference every day in all walks of life and regions,” said Howard Fremeth, Vice President, Communications and Marketing, CIJA. “This campaign is about shining a light on a few of the many Jewish advocates who are inspired by the heroes from our past to safeguard Jewish heritage for generations to come.” 

Featured advocates include:

• Educators like Joseph Sholtes and Paula Haras, who are using their platforms in public education to stand up against hate and ensure schools remain safe and inclusive.
• Students such as Samantha Kline and Ora Bar, who are pushing for stronger protections and representation on campus.
• Labour leaders like Lindsay Gilbert and Jeff Arbus, who are advancing Jewish representation and solidarity in the workplace and union spaces.
• Legal professionals including Maya Zor, David Rosenfeld, and Jillian Siskind, who are defending human rights and volunteering their legal expertise to protect our community.

To follow the campaign and meet this year’s featured advocates, visit CIJA on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

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