This Week in Canadian Jewish Advocacy, March 6, 2022
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine escalates, the resulting hardships for Jewish families in Ukraine intensifies. Thousands of Ukrainian Jewish refugees crossing the border into neighbouring countries are being welcomed and cared for by staff of our Jewish Agency for Israel. On Sunday, hundreds of Ukrainian Jews fleeing for their lives will land in Israel on flights from Poland, Moldova, and Romania. Their plight has resonated across the Canadian Jewish community over the past week, with donations reaching almost $1M. We are all united by one wish: we do not want to see Jewish people in harm’s way.Jewish Federations across Canada have launched fundraising appeals to help Jewish Ukrainians. We encourage those who would like to support fundraising efforts to contact their local Federations. |
We cannot allow a Hindu emblem of goodness to be erased as we take steps together to stamp out hate. Let us together take the steps to celebrate our religious freedoms and our unity in confronting the Nazis that persist on our streets.
An important piece by CIJA Vice President Richard Marceau and Hindu Federation President Pandit Roopnauth Sharma on combating antisemitism without conceding an ancient holy symbol to violence and misappropriation
The expression of religious freedom benefits all Ontarians and forms a cornerstone value of our society, a beacon to the world that all are welcome and belong in Ontario.
- Noah Shack, Vice-President, GTA, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)
On Tuesday, MPP Sam Oosterhoff introduced Bill 89: Protecting Ontario's Religious Diversity Act to protect the religious expression of citizens. If passed, this bill will amend the Human Rights Code to include religious expression as a protected ground alongside grounds such as religion and creed.
In 2019, Statistics Canada reported that Jews were the most frequently targeted religious minority for police-reported hate crime, and, since May 2021, we have witnessed a spike in antisemitic incidents. Synagogues and Jewish institutions are at risk of attack by violent extremists. Learn about CIJA’s recommendations to support the physical security of Canada’s Jewish community though active partnerships with government and law enforcement here.
OPINION: Confronting hate symbols in Canada (Postmedia)
Ukraine emergency appeals have been activated by Jewish federations across Canada (CJN)
Toronto teacher subjected to ‘Hitler salute’ speaks out (Global News)
Manager, GTA Stakeholder Relations
Associate Director Communications and Media Relations (Quebec)
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