This Week in Canadian Jewish Advocacy | November 3, 2024
This week, we welcomed the issuing of a Canadian Handbook to facilitate the use of the IHRA definition by governments, media, law enforcement, unions, and others across the country. We are supporting Federations in their programs for Holocaust Education Month, and we are continuing our call that our government condemn the UN’s Francesca Albanese’s hateful statements and her visit to Canada. We are supporting UJA Federation and several community organizations hosting two one-day conferences for students, parents or caregivers, and teachers to explore Israel education and how to combat antisemitism in the public school system.
For more information, read on.
CIJA joins the Jewish community in welcoming the announcement by the Government of Canada and the office of Deborah Lyons, Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, about the release of the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, a significant resource that reflects years of dedicated collaboration with CIJA, Jewish Federations, and various community stakeholders. During its development, CIJA and other Jewish organizations gathered testimonials that reflect the community's collective experiences with antisemitism in Canada and offer concrete guidance for addressing this pressing issue. CIJA will engage with governments and organizations to promote use of the Handbook as a foundational resource in the fight against antisemitism. Read our statement here.
November is Holocaust Education Month. With the dramatic rise in antisemitism and violence against the Jewish community across the globe, it has never been more important to honour the legacy and impart the lessons of the Holocaust, in memory of the six million Jews murdered by Nazis and in tribute the brave Survivors. With today’s 101 hostages in our hearts, and Israel’s wars with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah top of mind, we must continue to stand strong, united in our support for the people of Israel, for Israel’s right to exist, and the imperative that Israel defend itself, its citizens, and its borders. Never again must have real meaning. Never is now.
Throughout the month, Jewish communities across Canada will host Holocaust education events. Find one near you here.
In this piece in the Jerusalem Post, CIJA CEO Shimon Koffler Fogler questions why it took the government of Canada take so long to designate Samidoun as a terrorist entity, considering the organization’s long practice of proudly and openly demonstrating allegiance and support for other terrorist groups, calling for violence, inciting hate, and threatening the Jewish community. Read it here.
In addition to this, Mark Freiman, co-chair of CIJA’s Legal Task Force and former Deputy Attorney General of Ontario, together with Mark Sandler of the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism, penned an article outlining further action needed by authorities against Samidoun. Read it here.
At a press conference on Parliament Hill, CIJA reiterated its call for the Government of Canada to condemn Francesca Albanese, the United Nations’ so-called “Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967.” Watch it here. We highlighted the concerns of the Canadian Jewish community regarding her upcoming speaking engagements at the University of Toronto and other post-secondary campuses including Queen’s University. Read our press release here.
If you have not yet done so, click here to join the 11,000 Canadians who have already called on Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly to follow in the steps of Canada’s allies, including the United States, France, and Germany, and condemn Ms. Albanese’s peddling of Jew-hatred, toxicity, and division that endangers all Canadians. Take action here.
Join CIJA and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, and community partners including CJPAC, PJ Library, and The Toronto Holocaust Museum, for two meaningful and educational one-day conferences for students, parents or caregivers, and teachers to explore Israel education and learn how to combat antisemitism in the public school system. You will learn from UJA agencies including UJA's Israel Engagement, CIJA, and from CJPAC, and PJ Library, on how to combat antisemitism in schools, take political action in your community, and access community resources available to you. The conferences will include valuable hands-on workshops.
Click here to register for the Parent & Educator Conference on November 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or for the Jewish Student Summit on December 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Take Action
UN Rapporteur Albanese must be condemned
Tell Olivia Chow to Take Action on Antisemitism in Toronto
Community Calendar
November 10 | Toronto Unites: Rally for Humanity
November 11 | Remembrance Day
Community Careers
London Jewish Federation | Executive Director
Jewish Federation of Ottawa | Communications and Social Media Officer
Jewish Federation of Ottawa | Database Associate
Jewish Federation of Edmonton | Associate Director of Development
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver | Manager, Jewish Community Foundation
CIJA in the News
Amy Hamm: Let the terrorists speak, so we know who they are (National Post)
Samidoun on terrorist list (Jewish Independent)
UBC building defaced with anti-Israel graffiti, RCMP investigating (CTV News Vancouver)
Jewish groups call on UBC to address 'escalating antisemitism' on campus (Western Standard)
CIJA Raises Concerns about UN Expert on Palestine – October 28, 2024 (CPAC)
Why did Canada delay designating Samidoun as a terror group (Jerusalem Post)
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