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Dear John, This week, we were actively engaged in several critical initiatives. On Wednesday, we appeared in Federal Court as part of our challenge to the Canadian government’s decision to resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). We have been working with law enforcement to address recent threats against Jewish organizations and institutions across the country, ensuring our community’s safety and resilience. We also launched an Action Alert calling for CUPE Ontario leader Fred Hahn’s resignation in response to his repeated statements that have made the union a threatening and unsafe place for Jewish members. Read on to learn more. CIJA
Since Hamas’ barbaric October 7 terror attacks against Israel, which claimed more than 1,200 lives – eight of them Canadian – the situation within CUPE has become increasingly troubling. The union's current crisis can be largely attributed to the leadership of Fred Hahn, who has been at the helm since 2010. Under his direction, CUPE has, unfortunately, become a hotbed for radicalization and extremism, impacting both workplaces and campuses. Jewish members of CUPE are reporting unprecedented levels of racism, hostility, and discrimination within the union. This is a severe violation of the union's core principles, leaving many members feeling unsafe participating in union activities. The situation worsened significantly on August 11, when Hahn shared an antisemitic propaganda video, further damaging the union’s integrity and unity. His actions have moved from the realm of political discourse into hate speech and discrimination. It is clear that Hahn's leadership is a serious threat to CUPE’s commitment to solidarity, inclusivity, and respect for diversity. His continued presence is a significant distraction and jeopardizes the future of the Canadian labour movement. Despite CUPE National’s request for Hahn to resign, he has refused to step down. It is now crucial for CUPE National President Mark Hancock and the Executive Board to act decisively. If Hahn does not leave voluntarily, CUPE must remove him to restore the union's focus and realign with its core mission of representing all members fairly, regardless of their background or beliefs. This is where YOU can help – send a message to CUPE leadership urging them to fire Fred Hahn here.
On Wednesday morning, more than 100 Jewish organizations, synagogues, and hospitals in Canada and the U.S. received emails containing a hoax bomb threat. CIJA and our Jewish Federation partners have been in contact with law enforcement, and all indications are that these were nuisance emails designed to disrupt lives and create fear and confusion. Police have assured us there is no imminent threat. Jewish Canadians will not be intimidated. We will stay vigilant, and we will never be scared of taking part in Canadian society and Jewish life.
This week, CIJA was in Federal Court as part of our challenge to the Government of Canada's decision to resume funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). In April, Canadian families who lost loved ones in the horrific Hamas attacks on October 7, together with CIJA, filed an application for judicial review, arguing that the decision to restore UNRWA funding was both morally and legally unjustifiable. Our position is based on documented evidence of UNRWA's connections to Hamas, a listed terrorist organization. Recently, UNRWA even dismissed nine employees for their direct involvement in the October 7 attacks, underscoring the agency's problematic ties. In response to our application, the Government has sought to dismiss the case, claiming that the court does not have jurisdiction over the Minister’s decision. On Wednesday, we presented our case that the government must be held accountable and abide by the law – they are not above it. We expect the court’s decision determining whether the case can proceed soon. The government’s decision must be scrutinized to ensure accountability and adherence to Canadian law. The funding of UNRWA, given its links to Hamas, raises serious concerns about the potential misuse of Canadian taxpayer dollars. We believe it is crucial for the decision to face judicial review to ensure that our foreign aid does not inadvertently support terrorist activities. This legal challenge represents a critical step in safeguarding both Canadian values and international integrity. Take Action
Community CalendarSeptember
2 | Labour Day CIJA in the NewsVancouver activist facing hate speech probe praises Oct. 7 attack on Iranian TV (Global News) “Stop hating Jews”: Ontario labour minister confronts CUPE president Fred Hahn (True North) De la belle visite au Québec! (Le Journal de Montréal, + syndication QMI) Windsor Jewish group speaks out following bomb threats (CBC) Premier Ford calls CUPE’s Ontario vice president ‘disgusting human being’ (CityNews) More bomb threats made against Canadian synagogues, public sites (The Jerusalem Post) Community CareersHillel
Director (Jewish Federation of Edmonton) |
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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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