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Dear John, This week, we solemnly brought in the New Year as we continued to monitor the war in Israel, advocate for the people of Israel and the 133 hostages still held in Gaza and hope for a speedy end to the war that sees Hamas lay down its arms and surrender. Read on to learn more. The CIJA Team
Three months ago today, our world was forever changed.1,200 innocent Israeli lives were taken at the hands of Hamas terrorists, while almost 300 children, women, and men were kidnapped and brought to Gaza. Thousands of families have undergone unimaginable pain and trauma, as they mourn the inexplicable deaths of their loved ones, or pray for their return to Israel, or, in many cases, both. As Israel’s war with Hamas enters its fourth month, Hamas still holds129 people hostage from their attack on October 7, including the remains of those now confirmed murdered, and still holds an additional four from 2014. Still in Gaza are Yarden and Shiri Bibas and their sons, four-year-old Ariel, and baby Kfir, who turned 11 months old in captivity. We join Israelis, the Jewish people worldwide, and all citizens of good conscience in demanding that Hamas lay down its arms, surrender, and release every hostage. Our social media channels are regularly updated with new developments about the war and with content that dispels misinformation and disinformation about Israel and the conflict. Be sure to follow us and to share our posts widely. Across Canada, we continue to
see an alarming
rise in
antisemitic
incidents and
threats
from fellow
Canadians,
including speakers
at
rallies demanding a “ceasefire”
while yelling that their New Year’s
Resolution is “Intifada! Revolution,” and death to
Jews. Other demonstrations over the holidays wreaked havoc by disrupting holiday shoppers, frightening children and threatening death to bystanders. And just one week into 2024, we have already witnessed arson at a Jewish-owned Toronto business, which had been spray-painted with “Free Palestine,” and the targeted blockage of an intersection that connects Toronto’s major Jewish neighbourhoods with Jewish schools and synagogues. Misinformation, emotion, and opinions, online and in the streets, continue to influence and misguide ill-informed people to hold Jews around the world responsible for what is going on in the Middle East. This puts all Canadians at risk. It is up to each of us to advocate for the Jewish community and Canadian society. So, if you see something, please say something. Help combat antisemitism in your community by using our online form to report incidents of hate to CIJA. Community CalendarCommunities 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. January 24 | Tu BiShvat CIJA in the NewsJewish-owned grocery store remains closed after suspected antisemitic arson attack (CityNews) Fire at Jewish-owned grocery store to be investigated as hate-motivated – Power & Politics (CBC) Jewish Deli ‘Targeted’ – CBC Toronto News – 00:55-04:00 (CBC Toronto) CLICK HERE FOR MORE CIJA IN THE NEWS Community CareersAssociate
Director, University Relations and Public Education | Jewish
Federation of Greater Vancouver/CIJA Community Engagement Specialist | Jewish Federation of Ottawa |
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The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is the advocacy agent of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, representing Jewish Federations across Canada
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