This Week in Canadian Jewish Advocacy, November 5, 2023
This week, CIJA helped Canadians understand the complexity of the conflict following the Hamas attack against Israel and how some of the commonly misunderstood fundamentals can be explained. CIJA is building support for Israel in these dark days and encouraging improved education about the Holocaust and its lessons.
Read on to learn more.
The CIJA Team
While most of us are well informed about Israel and the historical and modern issues related to the Israeli / Palestinian conflict, the October 7 massacre changed everything. In the media and in our local coffee shops, we are seeing and hearing opinions, some ignorant and some repugnant, that merit challenge. But these complicated issues cannot be reduced into neat little packages.
In response to many requests from community members on how to talk about the issues and concepts that have surfaced since October 7, CIJA has prepared a document to guide your discussions about Israel and antisemitism. Here are responses to ten commonly used concepts you can reference.
LEARN MORE
Want to learn a little more about Israel’s legal humanitarian obligations when it comes to its right to defend itself? We provide the clarity and context so often missing when people talk about this.
READ ABOUR ISRAEL AND INTERNATONAL LAW HERE
November is Holocaust Education Month.
In these dark days, it is more important than ever to honour the legacy and teach the lessons of the #Holocaust, both in memory of the six million #Jewish lives murdered at the hands of the Nazi regime and in the context of the terrifying demonstrations of Jew-hatred happening in cities across the globe.
Now, more than ever, we must stand strong, united in our support for the people of Israel, in Israel’s right to exist, and in the absolute necessity for it to defend itself, its citizens, and its borders.
Never again must have real meaning. Never is now.
Throughout the month, Jewish communities across Canada are hosting Holocaust education events, a list of which we have curated. Please support an event near you.
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This week, both the Ontario and British Columbia governments publicly announced enhanced investment in Holocaust education programs in their respective provinces.
Ontario’s Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, announced funding for anti-racism programming and expansions to the Holocaust education. This precedent-setting Holocaust education curriculum and investment in 'Unlearn It', a resource CIJA developed in collaboration with the Toronto Holocaust Museum and Facing History and Ourselves Canada, will help educators and parents to address antisemitism and combat hate effectively.
In Vancouver, British Columbia Premier David Eby announced that, beginning in 2025, B.C. will mandate Holocaust education as part of the province’s K-12 curriculum. The Ministry of Education and Childcare will soon begin consultations with B.C.’s Jewish community and other stakeholders to develop the curriculum.
Israel is at war with Hamas and other Iran-backed terror groups. And it’s not that Israel should defend itself. It must defend itself – for its very survival. That’s why it’s as important as ever for our allies here to continue to demonstrate their support.
As we’ve seen from protests across the world and, sadly, even here in Canada, there are some who want to make it difficult for leaders to stand with the Jewish community and support Israel as it defends itself from terror. We cannot let that happen.
Because we need our political leaders at all levels to continue their support, we need you to encourage it. It’s important they call for the return of the hostages and maintain their commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel.
TAKE ACTION
CIJA in the News
Que dit le droit international de la riposte israélienne? (Le Devoir)
United Church condemns violence by Hamas and Israel and calls for ceasefire (Broadview Magazine)
Montreal demonstration calls for release of Israelis taken hostage (CBC News)
'Bring them home!' (The Suburban)
Fighting the forces of evil: Local Jewish community stands united (Kitchissippi Times)
United Church condemns violence by Hamas and Israel and calls for ceasefire (Broadview Magazine)
Divisive British politician Jeremy Corbyn met with embattled MPP Sarah Jama (Toronto Sun)
Ontario expands Holocaust education in schools to combat rise in antisemitism (CBC)
Ontario expands Holocaust education for high school students (CP24, Bell Media Syndication)
Ontario expands Holocaust education in schools (Toronto Star, + The Canadian Press Syndication)
Holocaust education to be mandatory in BC (CityNews Vancouver)
Province mandating Holocaust education (London News Today, + Blackburn Media Syndication)
Canadian province mandates Holocaust education (Israel National News)
Ontario government adds ‘new, expanded’ required Holocaust education (JNS Syndication)
Ontario commits to Holocaust education reform (True North)
Langara investigating after Natalie Knight's Hamas comments (CityNews Vancouver)
Will McMaster have backs of Jewish students? (Niagara Falls Review)
A Shabbat table in Montreal has been set for missing hostages (Montreal Gazette)
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.
December 7- 15 | Chanukah
Community Careers
