This week, we called on community to reflect and rejoice, while calling on law enforcement and government officials to take action against Jew-hatred.  

Read on to learn more.  

The CIJA Team  

“This incident is a sad reminder that youth are being radicalized so young and underscores the need for the Jewish lived experience, antisemitism, and Holocaust education to be included in anti-hate and anti-racism initiatives in schools. Education is one of the most important tools in the fight against hate.” 

- Eta Yudin, CIJA Vice President, Quebec 

On Wednesday, as thousands of Montrealers celebrated Israel’s 75th anniversary at Yom Ha’Atzmaut events and rallies across the city, two teenagers removed Israeli flags from the fences of a private Jewish elementary school in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, subsequently burned them at a different location, and posted the video of the incident on social media.  

A suspect was arrested on Thursday. We are grateful to both Federation CJA’s Community Security Network for their diligent work and communication with Montreal Police and to Dollard-des-Ormeaux Security for their swift action on this matter.   

This weekend, an organization that has promoted incitement against Canada's Jewish community and that has clear ties to a terrorist group is hosting an event in Ottawa.   

 “We have long alerted the government to Samidoun’s incitement to hatred against Canada’s Jewish community and affiliation with the PFLP. Emboldened by impunity and inaction, Samidoun is now hosting its first major North American demonstration, here in the capital of our country.” 

- Shimon Koffler Fogel, President and CEO, CIJA 

CIJA has consistently advocated that Samidoun, the group behind this event, be listed as a terrorist entity under Canada's Criminal Code Section 83.05(1)(b). In the months leading up to the event and throughout the weekend, CIJA has been in touch with all levels of law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of our community.  

At ceremonies across Canada, the Jewish community and our allies came together on Yom HaZikaron to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the women and men killed in defence of Israel and the victims of anti-Israel terror, and, on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, to celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday.  

For Yom Ha’Atzmaut, several landmarks and monuments, including Niagara Falls and Vaughan City Hall, were illuminated in blue and Israeli flags were raised in several municipalities, including Toronto, Vaughan and Ottawa.  

On behalf of Canada’s Jewish community, we would like to thank all dignitaries and elected officials from across Canada, including the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, provincial premiers, and elected officials from all levels of government who recognized Israel’s 75th Independence Day.  

CIJA in the News 

Community Calendar

May  25-27 | Shavuot
October 16-17 | Antisemitism: Face It, Fight It

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Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg