This week, we welcomed the news that an individual with a track record wholly unsuited for the job was persuaded to resign as Human Rights Commissioner, and we hosted a security update with tips for individual submissions to the Toronto Police Service Board’s consultation on public order. As the new academic year approaches, we communicated with university administrations regarding how to keep all students, staff, and faculty welcome and safe on campus, and we are participating in the call for staying the revocation of the charitable status of JNF until the court case about it is fairly decided. Read on to learn more.

CIJA

Earlier this summer, Birju Dattani – a person with a troubling past of anti-Israel and even antisemitic positions and associations with individuals and groups linked to listed terror entities – was appointed as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). Concerned about whether he would be capable to adjudicate issues of hate and discrimination objectively, CIJA asked you to send a letter to Minister Virani urging that the appointment be rescinded.

Almost 11,000 of you did exactly that. Thanks to your participation, the government launched an independent probe into Dattani’s past activities and his suitability for the role and, this week, just one day before he was to take office, Birju Dattani resigned. 

By responding to our action alert, you have made sure that cases of hate and discrimination will not be overseen by an individual who has caused harm to the Jewish community and, when confronted, failed to take genuine accountability or show remorse.  

With antisemitism on the rise, it’s crucial that the CHRC maintain the highest standards of integrity and commitment to Canadian values. Protecting all minority communities, including Jewish Canadians, is fundamental to upholding these values. CIJA will continue to collaborate with the government to ensure that all such positions are filled by those whose track records truly demonstrate faithfulness to these principles. Read CIJA's press release here.

This week, hundreds of Torontonians attended a public safety briefing where CIJA provided a security update; reviewed policy priorities related to public safety and order; and shared tips for community members wishing to participate in the public consultation. You can watch it here. We will also be sharing a how-to guide in the coming days incorporating frequently asked questions from the briefing. 

Your voice matters. Now is the time to raise your voice and let Toronto police know what you need to feel safe in our city. It vital that all Jewish Torontonians provide input in this public consultation to ensure that the TPSB understands our community’s safety expectations and cultural sensitivities in responding to ongoing protests and attacks on our community. Your individual stories and experiences are the best way to drive our message home.  

Submissions can be made writing, or by audio or video recording here. Please encourage your friends, family and colleagues to participate. The deadline is August 30. 

As Jewish students, faculty, and staff prepare to return to campus in the fall, CIJA shared a framework for Canadian campus administrators to consider as they plan for the upcoming academic year. Inspired by the work of prominent North American organizations, the document outlines recommended actions that should be implemented to ensure that our universities are safe and welcoming for all. Click here to learn more.

On August 10, on Shabbat, the charitable status of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) Canada was revoked, despite court proceedings underway. This is contrary to the CRA’s standard practice in which the agency would delay the revocation until legal proceedings were concluded and a court decision delivered. In the coming days, JNF will be advising the court of the severe damage the CRA is causing them and will request that the government withdraw its revocation and allow JNF to pursue its legal right to appeal in court. Click here to join JNF Canada in calling on the federal Minister of National Revenue and other Members of Parliament, from all parties, to intervene on its behalf.  

Take Action

It’s time to make terrorist symbols illegal! 
It’s time to condemn Hezbollah!

Community Calendar

September 2 | Labour Day
October 2 | Rosh Hashanah (Starts at sunset)
October 11 | Yom Kippur (Starts at sunset)

CIJA in the News  

Justice Minister Postpones Appointment of New Human Rights Commissioner After Review (The Epoch Times) 

Ottawa Pride calls out Islamophobia, 'pink-washing' in 'solidarity' with Gaza ahead of parade (Post Millennial) 

New human rights commissioner goes on leave after review (HR Reporter) 

Jewish organization denounces Ottawa Pride group for supporting Palestine (Western Standard) 

EDITORIAL: Virani must reconsider divisive appointment (Toronto Sun, + Postmedia Syndication) 

New human rights commissioner resigns before starting role (CBC News) 

Indigenous communities battle for fire safety (Hill Times) 

Canadian Commissioner Resigns After Israel Comments Probe (Barron’s) 

Le tout nouveau commissaire aux droits de la personne démissionne (Le Devoir) 

Embattled human rights chief resigns, as review concludes he ‘intentionally omitted’ name information (National Post, + Postmedia Syndication) 

Birju Dattani has resigned as chief of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (The Canadian Jewish News) 

Newly appointed Human Rights Commissioner resigns after inquiry into allegations of antisemitism (The Canadian Jewish News) 

New Human Rights Commissioner Resigns Before Assuming the Post (CP24) 

Trudeau government’s controversial choice to head human rights commission steps down (Toronto Star, + Metroland Media Syndication) 

Le chef des droits de l’homme démissionne après qu’une enquête a conclu qu’il avait « intentionnellement omis » des informations sur son nom (Actual News Magazine) 

CIJA reacts to Birju Dattani's resignation as CHRC chief commissioner – Afternoons with Rob Breakenridge – 11:20-22:08 (Global News Calgary) 

JNF Canada to mount legal challenge after it was ‘blindsided’ by revocation of its charitable status (eJewish Philanthropy) 

Jewish community groups withdraw support from Ottawa Pride after anti-Israel statement (True North) 

SLOBODIAN: All parties failed on shocking human rights commissioner appointment (Western Standard) 

CUPE Ontario president called out for reposting 'divisive' and 'vile' social media post (CTV News Toronto) 

Ya’ara Saks flees campaign picnic after being surrounded by anti-Israel activists (True North) 

Questions over anti-Israel past force Liberals’ human rights pick to abandon post (True North) 

CUPE Ontario president speaks out after receiving backlash for sharing controversial video (NOW Toronto) 

CUPE Ontario president in hot water over video posted on his personal facebook (Zoomer Radio) 

B.C. court orders pro-Palestinian camp at Vancouver Island University to shut down (Toronto Star, + Metroland Media Syndication) 

Vancouver pro-Palestinian leader praises 'heroic' October 7 massacre on Iranian TV (National Post, + Postmedia Syndication) 

Court orders Gaza protest camp at B.C. university to pack up (Global News) 

Anti-Israel encampment at Vancouver Island University ordered to shut down by court (The Province) 

C.-B.: la Cour ordonne la fermeture d’un camp propalestinien à Nanaimo (L’actualité) 

Community Careers

Staff Lawyer, CIJA Legal Task Force (LTF)
Hillel Director (Jewish Federation of Edmonton)
Vice President/Director of Development (Jewish Federation of Ottawa/Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation)
Communications and Social Media Officer (Jewish Federation of Ottawa)