View as webpage

Dear John, 

This week, we commended the report on antisemitism by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights—and demanded that its recommendations lead to strong policy actions now. We encouraged Canadians to use the recently released Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. We supported Jewish doctors and others facing antisemitism in the healthcare sector. And we bid a fond farewell to Shimon Koffler Fogel, with gratitude for his decades of service to our community.

While CIJA is changing, what isn't changing is our determination to fight for our community—and to defend the values that define Canada. For more information, read on.

CIJA 

This week, after four decades of remarkable service to our community, Shimon Koffler Fogel concluded his role as President & CEO of CIJA. We're grateful to Shimon for his many years of dedication and moral clarity as a voice for Jewish and Canadian values. His leadership has been invaluable as our community navigated extraordinary challenges, especially since October 7, 2023.

As we thank Shimon and begin a new chapter, CIJA's continued success is our top priority. Our National Board will convene a search to select a permanent successor. In the meantime, Noah Shack will serve as Interim President, building on his well-rounded career in Jewish advocacy. Noah will be closely supported by a strong team of lay leaders with expertise in government relations, business, and human resources.

As CIJA continues to evolve, we invite our entire community to play a role. Those who make their voices heard in Canada’s public policy debates will determine the future of our country. If you are not yet active in the cause, we encourage you to get involved right now. Sign up to stay connected for calls-to-action.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST) has released a comprehensive report, Heightened Antisemitism in Canada and How to Confront It. The report focused on the alarming rise of antisemitism, extremism, and hate across our country, a trend that has now reached an all-time high. CIJA and other community voices testified before the committee, urging parliamentarians to move forward on concrete policy actions to protect our community. With many of these recommendations adopted in the committee's report, there can be no excuse for our leaders not to act now. Read our statement. 

Whom should Canadian leaders and media listen to when it comes to the voices of our Jewish community? It's simple: pro-Jewish Jews. In contrast, radical groups like Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) play a toxic role in denying the reality of antisemitism – and speak for no more than a small fringe. This was affirmed this week when CIJA and all 12 Canadian Jewish Federations, in partnership with other Jewish Canadian organizations, were proud to endorse the recently released Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. Representing the majority of Canadian Jews, we wholeheartedly endorse the IHRA definition. Read our letter here. 

On December 4, the Jewish Medical Association of Ontario (JMAO) was publicly launched at a press conference at Queen’s Park. The organization was launched a year ago to combat antisemitism within healthcare and to build a strong, supportive network of Jewish medical professionals who make our province a better home for all, every day.

A recent survey of Jewish medical professionals in Ontario, conducted by JMAO and other provincial Jewish medical associations, uncovered alarming levels of antisemitism in medicine. This included more than 80% of respondents saying they have faced antisemitism in their workplace and 31% revealing that they are considering leaving the province due to antisemitism. The findings have sparked extensive media attention, including in the Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, National Post, NewsTalk 1010, The Jerusalem Post, and more.

More than 700 Jewish healthcare professionals, physicians, students, and residents across the province have already joined JMAO to take part in this vital effort. Eligible Ontario-based health professionals and learners can apply for membership here. 

Would you like to stay current on issues of concern and news from CIJA as it happens? Sign up here to opt in to receive CIJA's press releases and media statements. To stay up-to-date with what’s happening in Israel and the effects of antisemitism on life here in Canada, sign up for the National Post's Channel Israel newsletter here.

Take Action

Tell the Government to stand up to division and hate – reject APR

Community Calendar

December 25-26 | Christmas and Boxing Day (CIJA Offices closed)
December 25 – January 2 | Chanukah
January 1 | New Year's Day (CIJA Offices closed)

Community Careers

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto 
London Jewish Federation | Executive Director
Jewish Federation of Edmonton | Associate Director of Development

CIJA in the News

Mayor Chow got emails about Oct. 7 vigil, documents show (Toronto Sun)

Shimon Fogel: The fight against antisemitism has to be more than just words (National Post)

Carleton University faces backlash for employing professor convicted in 1980

Committee's endorsement of 'anti-Palestinian racism' report splits Liberal caucus (National Post, + Postmedia Syndication)

Calls are mounting for Ottawa to convene an urgent national forum on antisemitism, hate crimes, terrorism (The Canadian Jewish News)

More CIJA in the News