This Week in Canadian Jewish Advocacy, May 22, 2022

In 2019, CIJA called on the Government of Canada to appeal a Federal Court of Canada ruling that it is “inaccurate and misleading” to label wine produced in Judea and Samaria / West Bank as “Product of Israel.” In May 2021, the Court referred the case back to the Complaints and Appeals Office (CAO) of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). 

On May 13, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released its decision, noting that wines produced in the West Bank can be labeled as “Product of Israel,” provided the producer adds more context. In addition, they found that the political status of the territories is not a matter to be determined by the CFIA and stated unequivocally they have “no application in this determination.”   

Although we respect the findings of the CFIA, we are disappointed that the Jewish community, from which most consumers of Israeli wines come, was not consulted during the CFIA’s considerations. We expect the CFIA will include our community’s perspective in future consultations. 

On June 2, Ontario is going to the polls to choose who will serve our community at the provincial level of government for the next four years! But you don't have to wait; advance voting is now here. Find out where and how, here.

We want to be sure you have the resources and information you need to make the best possible decision to represent your interests as a Jewish member of the community. Visit CIJA’s Election Hub for details.

Speak up! There is no better time to write to your local candidates to find out how they plan to represent you and address issues of greatest concern to our community, such as rising antisemitism and hate; supporting vulnerable members of our community; and promoting the Ontario-Israel relationship.  

Last Saturday, an 18-year-old gunman entered a supermarket in Buffalo and opened fire. In a matter of minutes, 10 innocent people were dead and three more injured. Eleven of the victims were African American, deliberately targeted because of the colour of their skin.  

Like you, we mourn this senseless loss of life.  

And, like you, we are deeply troubled to learn that the killer was influenced by a racist ideology with roots in antisemitism that has inspired many deadly and racist attacks around the world. 

“White Replacement Theory” is a dangerous concept purporting that white people are being “replaced” by visible minorities – and that the perpetrators behind the so-called replacement are Jewish. Although around for decades, this dangerous idea was thrust into the current public consciousness in 2017 when white supremacists in Charlottesville chanted ‘The Jews will not replace us!’  

This dangerous theory should concern all law-abiding citizens.  

Canadian ruling on West Bank wine labels leaves door open for ‘clarifying information’ (The CJN) 

Ontario Government Relations Professional

Did someone forward you this email? Click here and sign up to receive CIJA updates directly to your inbox.

Help make Week in Review better by sending your feedback!

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram