What you need to know this week | July 19, 2026
This week, we're pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Aronovici as Chair of CIJA’s Board of Directors.
In this recap, you'll also find a new op-ed by our CEO, Noah Shack, on the growing nexus between terrorism and crime in the Islamic Republic of Iran's global terror campaign, catch up on the latest ways to take action on the controversial Nakba exhibit and how to commend more than 90 of the country's top business leaders for rallying fellow Canadians against antisemitism.
The CIJA Team
At a time of unprecedented challenges for Canada's Jewish community, strong leadership has never been more important, and Michael's experience and deep commitment to our community will help guide CIJA's work over the next two years. We are also grateful to outgoing Chair Elan Pratzer for his dedicated service and leadership.
Michael Aronovici, Chair of the CIJA Board of Directors: "I am the son of Holocaust survivors from Romania who escaped the Iron Curtain to forge a new life in Canada. Their story lives with me every day and inspires my commitment to building a country where our children and grandchildren can live safely, openly, and proudly as Jewish Canadians. As Chair, I am committed to delivering tangible results for our community—from strengthening our security and rebuilding the Canada-Israel relationship to using every tool available, including legal action, to hold antisemites accountable and growing our nationwide movement of advocates to ensure our voices are heard."
Noah Shack, CEO, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs: "Michael has been a steadfast leader, a trusted voice, and a passionate advocate for Canada's Jewish community. At a time when our community faces extraordinary challenges, his experience, conviction, and deep commitment to ensuring a strong Jewish future in Canada will be invaluable. We look forward to working with him as we continue to advance our community's priorities and strengthen Jewish life across the country."
On July 18, 1994, a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden truck into the Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires, killing 85 people and injuring hundreds in the deadliest terror attack in Argentina's history.
Thirty-two years later, Iran’s Islamic regime continues to target people around the world — including here in Canada.
The defining feature of the Islamic Republic's global terror campaign is the growing nexus between international terrorism and domestic crime. Rather than relying solely on ideologically motivated operatives, Iran increasingly uses criminal networks as proxies, exploiting illicit financial systems and outsourcing acts of terror to local youth.
For months, our community and our organizations warned about the lack of transparency, consultation, and rigour in the development of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights' controversial Nakba exhibit.
Now that it has opened, our serious concerns have been confirmed, with elements of the exhibit demonstrating an "error of curation" and the Board of Trustees’ failure to review the exhibit as being an "error in governance." Those are not our words, but those of Marc Miller – the federal Minister who oversees national museums.
Join us in urging the Board to rectify the failures in curation and governance, and hold the Museum’s CEO accountable.
More than 90 of the country's top business and community leaders—men and women whose organizations employ millions of Canadians—are taking a stand against antisemitism.
In their open letter, they made it clear that antisemitism isn't just a Jewish problem. It's a threat to the safety, security, and well-being of all Canadians. Their leadership is a rallying call for all of us.
Commend these leaders for taking a stand against antisemitism—and then help grow the movement by sharing their message with your friends, family, and colleagues.