This week, we solemnly brought in the New Year as we continued to monitor the war in Israel, advocate for the people of Israel and the 133 hostages still held in Gaza and hope for a speedy end to the war that sees Hamas lay down its arms and surrender.  

Read on to learn more.

The CIJA Team  

Three months ago today, our world was forever changed.1,200 innocent Israeli lives were taken at the hands of Hamas terrorists, while almost 300 children, women, and men were kidnapped and brought to Gaza. Thousands of families have undergone unimaginable pain and trauma, as they mourn the inexplicable deaths of their loved ones, or pray for their return to Israel, or, in many cases, both.  

As Israel’s war with Hamas enters its fourth month, Hamas still holds129 people hostage from their attack on October 7, including the remains of those now confirmed murdered, and still holds an additional four from 2014. Still in Gaza are Yarden and Shiri Bibas and their sons, four-year-old Ariel, and baby Kfir, who turned 11 months old in captivity.

We join Israelis, the Jewish people worldwide, and all citizens of good conscience in demanding that Hamas lay down its arms, surrender, and release every hostage.  

Our social media channels are regularly updated with new developments about the war and with content that dispels misinformation and disinformation about Israel and the conflict. Be sure to follow us and to share our posts widely.  

Across Canada, we continue to see an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents and threats from fellow Canadians, including speakers at rallies demanding a “ceasefire” while yelling that their New Year’s Resolution is “Intifada! Revolution,” and death to Jews.  

Other demonstrations over the holidays wreaked havoc by disrupting holiday shoppers, frightening children and threatening death to bystanders. And just one week into 2024, we have already witnessed arson at a Jewish-owned Toronto business, which had been spray-painted with “Free Palestine,” and the targeted blockage of an intersection that connects Toronto’s major Jewish neighbourhoods with Jewish schools and synagogues. 

Misinformation, emotion, and opinions, online and in the streets, continue to influence and misguide ill-informed people to hold Jews around the world responsible for what is going on in the Middle East. This puts all Canadians at risk.  

It is up to each of us to advocate for the Jewish community and Canadian society. So, if you see something, please say something. Help combat antisemitism in your community by using our online form to report incidents of hate to CIJA.

REPORT HATE

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.

January 24 | Tu BiShvat
January 27 | International Holocaust Remembrance Day  
January 28 | A Collection of Works of Art by Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants in Canada
February 19 | Family Day (CIJA offices closed in BC & ON) 

CIJA in the News 

Hate Motivated Arson on Jewish Deli with Jaime Kizner-Roberts – Newstalk Tonight with Jim Richards – 20:05- 30:00 (Newstalk 1010, + iHeart Radio Syndication)

The latest target of suspected antisemitic vandalism in Toronto involves a fire at a deli whose sign reads ‘IDF’ (The Canadian Jewish News)

Jewish advocates say suspected hate-motivated arson at North York deli has left community reeling (CityNews Toronto)

Jewish-owned grocery store remains closed after suspected antisemitic arson attack (CityNews)

Les voisins de l’épicerie appartenant à des juifs incendiée à Toronto choqués et peinés (Radio-Canada ICI Toronto)

North York deli arson 'hate motivated,' Toronto Police Chief says (Toronto Sun, + Postmedia Syndication)

Toronto mayor condemns suspected antisemitic arson attack at Jewish-owned deli (National Post, + Postmedia Syndication)

Fire at Jewish-owned grocery store to be investigated as hate-motivated – Power & Politics (CBC)

Power and Politics interview with CIJA about Toronto Police Service hate crime investigation of fire at a Jewish-owned grocery store – 13:50-21:45 (CBC Power and Politics Podcast)

Jewish Deli ‘Targeted’ – CBC Toronto News – 00:55-04:00 (CBC Toronto)

Suspected hate-motivated arson has 'full attention' of Toronto police, chief says (CBC News)

Toronto police hate crimes unit investigating fire at Jewish-owned deli – The National (CBC News)

Police Investigate Suspected Hate-Motivated Arson at Jewish-Owned Deli (Global News Toronto)

Search for suspects who torched Jewish-owned deli (CTV News Toronto)

Hate-Motivated Arson Investigation - 03:50-07:10 (CTV News Toronto)

Hate-Motivated Arson a Tipping Point in City’s Response to Antisemitism – The Rush with Reshmi Nair - Hour 4 – 10:10-21:45 (Newstalk 1010, + iHeart Radio Syndication)

‘This Is the Tipping Point’ — Canadian Jewish Business Firebombed, Defaced with ‘Free Palestine’ Graffiti (National Review)

Toronto leaders decry 'appalling' hate after suspected arson at Jewish-owned grocer (CBC News, + The Canadian Press Syndication)

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