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Dear John, 

This week, we joined thousands of Canadian Jews and our allies in welcoming the long-overdue decision by the Government of Canada to designate Samidoun officially as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, and we called on Mayor Olivia Chow to stand up against growing antisemitism in Toronto. 

The death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a key figure behind the October 7 terrorist attacks and many more of Hamas' violent attacks against the people of Israel, is a significant development in Israel’s war against the terrorist regime. Sinwar played a central role in Hamas’ reign of terror not just against the people of Israel but also against Palestinians. His elimination means the pursuit of peace and security for all may finally be one step closer. His death weakens Hamas’ leadership and brings new hope for an eventual resolution of this conflict.

For more information, read on.  

CIJA joined Canadians in welcoming the Government of Canada’s long-overdue announcement that Samidoun has now been designated a terrorist entity under Canadian law, an action for which CIJA has been advocating since 2020. We are grateful to the thousands of Canadians who have, over the years, signed petitions, contacted their MPs, written to media, called out hate online, and taken the steps necessary to make this happen. The listing of Samidoun as a terrorist entity is a major victory for fighting extremism and antisemitism in Canada. Read our statement here.

Jewish Torontonians have had enough. During Yom Kippur, Bais Chaya Mushka School for Girls in Toronto became, for the second time, the target of gun violence. This is yet another in a series of incidents under Mayor Chow’s watch involving vandalism of Jewish buildings and synagogues. Read our statement here.

CIJA has encouraged Toronto’s Jewish community to say enough is enough! So far, 8,000 Canadians have urged the Mayor to work with the provincial government to develop an actionable plan to make this city safe for Jews. If you have not yet done so, click here to tell Mayor Chow that we need her leadership and action to make Toronto safe for Jews once and for all!

Take Action

Tell Olivia Chow to Take Action on Antisemitism in Toronto
It’s time to make terrorist symbols illegal!

Community Calendar

October 16-23 | Sukkot (Starts at sunset)
October 23-25 | Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah (Starts at sunset)

Community Careers

CIJA | Associate Director, Government Relations (Ontario)
London Jewish Federation | Executive Director
Jewish Federation of Ottawa | Communications and Social Media Officer
Jewish Federation of Ottawa | Database Associate
Jewish Federation of Edmonton | Associate Director of Development
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver | Manager, Jewish Community Foundation

CIJA in the News

WARMINGTON: Olivia Chow 'wore black' on Oct. 7 to mourn those lost a year ago (Toronto Sun)

Mayor Chow fumbles October 7 (Newstalk 610)

Winnipeg school division apologizes over statement (CTV News)

Canada designates Samidoun a terrorist entity after anti-Israel protests (National Post, + Postmedia Syndication)

US, Canada, designate Samidoun and leader Khaled Barakat as a terrorist org. (Jerusalem Post)

Canada declares Samidoun a terrorist entity in joint move with the the U.S. (Globe and Mail)

Drapeau canadien brûlé: qu'est-ce que l'organisation Samidoun? (TVA Nouvelles, + syndication QMI)

Samidoun designated as a terrorist group by Canadian and U.S. governments (The Canadian Jewish News)

U.S. and Canada Declare PFLP 'Front' Group Samidoun a Terrorist Organization (Haaretz)

More CIJA in the News