This Week in Canadian Jewish Advocacy, December 17, 2023
This week, CIJA expressed disgust and outrage at the hypocrisy of the Government of Canada’s vote at the UN and led an enlightening exchange between two important intersectional Israeli figures about the Israel-Hamas War and more.
Read on to learn more.
The CIJA Team
Just hours after issuing a statement preconditioning a ceasefire on Hamas releasing the hostages, stopping its use of Palestinians as human shields, laying down its arms, and surrendering its control of Gaza, the Government of Canada voted in support of a UN General Assembly resolution supporting a ceasefire – despite it not including those conditions.
Hamas is a listed terrorist entity in Canada and is irrefutably guilty of war crimes – against both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. They cannot be rewarded and left unaccountable.
Canada’s Jewish community will not forget that, in the face of unprecedented antisemitism, only emboldened by Hamas’ October 7 massacre, the Canadian government chose to ignore not only Israel’s right to defend itself but also Israel's obligation to defend itself. Canada’s decision to support the resolution will undoubtedly lead to further hate directed toward Jews here in Canada.
CIJA’s CEO, Shimon Koffler Fogel, released a statement you can read here.
Hundreds of Canadians listened to a conversation between Ashager Araro, an Ethiopian-Israeli activist, feminist, and Battae Cultural Centre founder; and Jonathan Elkhoury, a Christian Lebanese Arab-Israeli, International Relations Director for DiploAct, and champion of LGBTQ2+ rights.
Watch a replay of this enlightening exchange between these two important intersectional Israeli figures about the Hamas-Israel War, international and diplomatic perspectives, the battle of narratives, and how, even in times of deep polarization, we can bolster community and build partnerships. Watch it here.
Community Calendar
Communities are gathering in cities across Canada in response to the devastating war on Israel by Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza. Find an event near you.
CIJA in the News
Joel Kotkin: As antisemitism surges on the left, Jews are pushed to the right (National Post)
Ontario increasing funding to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia (Huntsville Doppler Online)
L'antisémitisme décomplexé aura définitivement marqué 2023, se désole le VP du CIJA (QUB Radio)
2023, l'année de l’antisémitisme décomplexé (Journal de Montreal)
Celebrating Hanukkah with Community (TPS)
Le Canada vote pour un cessez-le-feu aux Nations unies (Le Presse)
Canada votes for UN resolution calling for Israel-Hamas ceasefire (Toronto Star)
Canada backs call for Gaza ceasefire in UN resolution vote (CHCH)
Canada votes in favour of UN ceasefire resolution (CP24 Live at Noon)
Canada’s shifting position on Israel – Afternoons with Rob Breakenridge (QR Calgary)
La volte-face diplomatique du Canada sur la guerre à Gaza divise à Ottawa (Le Devoir)
Police Chief Dagher tells Jewish community “We should not let the fear get to us.” (The Suburban)
CIJA Calls Out The Canadian Gov’t For Its Hypocritical Foreign Policy (The Alberta Jewish News)
At UN, Canada calls for Gaza ceasefire, a shift away from voting with Israel (Times Colonist)
U.S. warns Israel losing support as Canada backs call for ceasefire in UN vote (The Globe and Mail)
Justin Trudeau has both good and bad reasons for turning his back on Israel (The Globe and Mail)
Ottawa Playbook - Foreign Policy Twist (Politico)
Rx for antisemitism? (Jewish Independent)
Community Careers
Associate Director, University Relations and Public Education | Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver/CIJA
CEO, Ottawa Soloway Jewish Community Centre
Community Engagement Specialist | Jewish Federation of Ottawa
Stay In the Know!
Get all the latest information from our newsletter, "This Week in Canadian Jewish Advocacy."
