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Dear John, This week, we prepare for a national slate of commemorations honouring the victims and hostages of October 7, 2023. We have created an online portal to report incidents of antisemitism encountered by Ontario public school students, we have undertaken sessions to train hundreds of public servants to recognize and combat antisemitism and, as we wind up a difficult year, our Chair has delivered a message of encouragement. For more information, read on. CIJA
Monday marks one year since the October 7 Hamas massacre, the worst attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, which claimed 1,200 lives in Israel, including victims of 30 different nationalities. On that horrific day, more than 250 men, women, and children were kidnapped by Hamas and other terrorist organizations and, 365 days later, almost 100 hostages are still held in Gaza. On this day – and every day until they come home – we pray for the hostages and stand with their families in demanding their return. Commemorations across the globe will honour the memory of those murdered, including eight Canadians: Judih Weinstein (70), Vivian Silver (74), Ben Mizrahi (22), Neta Epstein (22), Shir Georgy (22), Adi Vital-Kaploun (33), Alexandre Look (33), and Tifferet Lapidot (22). You will find a list of events across Canada here.
Many students exposed to hate and antisemitism do not report it to school authorities because they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Countless stories shared anecdotally by Jewish students from across the Ontario public-school network indicate a systemic failure of school boards to create a safe and inclusive learning environment. In response, we have launched the K-12 Antisemitism Reporting Portal to track incidents of hate within schools, providing a vital resource to address and combat discrimination against our community. Your reports will provide valuable evidence that will strengthen our advocacy efforts and support community members affected by antisemitism in the public school system. If you or someone you know has experienced hate or antisemitism at an Ontario public school, report it here.
The High Holidays call on us to reflect not only on our actions but also on the power of community and the moral obligation to stand up for what is right. I’m proud to be in the ring fighting. I’m proud to be standing with all those at CIJA, our federations, and community organizations, and alongside our allies as we work to make a better Canada. Read a word from our chair here .
Over the past month, in partnership with our training coalition, Coalition Response to Eradicate Antisemitism through Training and Education (CREATE), CIJA has delivered trainings to more than 550 public sector employees across a variety of industries. Organizations we engaged with include, among others, Ontario Principals Council, Sunnybrook Hospital, Health Canada, Ontario Health, Holland Bloorview, Jewish Agency for Israel Emissaries, and York Region Children’s Aid Society. Most notably, CIJA completed the first of two training sessions with the Ontario Securities Commission, which was delivered to 440 provincial employees. Feedback has been immensely positive, and we look forward to continuing training throughout the fall and winter. Contact us for more information about antisemitism training.
Free viewing of new documentary, The Killing Roads A new documentary, by Canadian-Israeli filmmaker Igal Hecht, explores the harrowing experiences of victims, survivors, and first responders during the brutal terrorist attacks orchestrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Set against the backdrop of the main roads where these atrocities occurred, the film captures the raw emotions and resilience of those affected by the violence. Watch it here. Film contains graphic content. Viewer discretion advised.) Learn more here. Take Action
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the TDSB to Keep our students safe from hateful protests Community CalendarOctober 7
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Commemorations CIJA in the NewsNP View: The odious smear campaign against Heather Reisman and Indigo books (National Post) UQAM should not allow itself to be a safe haven for hatemongers (The Suburban) Liberals roll out more security cash, details in strategy for fighting hate (CityNews) KLEIN: Palestinian Authority's curriculum doesn't belong in Canadian classrooms (The Winnipeg Sun) Book found in TDSB classroom teaches disputed anti-Israel “Nakba” history (True North) Community CareersExecutive
Director, London Jewish Federation |
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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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