Version Francaise

John,

Last week a new federal cabinet was appointed, and a newly elected Parliament will begin on May 26. 

I don’t have to tell you how critically important it is for our federal government to take decisive action to safeguard our community. Our history as Jews shows us that, while there are many factors that cause antisemitism to rise or fall in a society, none are more important than what governments choose to do—or not do.  

During the election, thousands of Jewish voters from coast to coast mobilized to email or meet with their local candidates. While our community is politically diverse, we united with one voice to demand real change on the issues that impact us all. This includes the need to hold accountable those inciting antisemitism, elevate security at Jewish institutions, build a stronger and better Canada-Israel relationship, and protect the Canadian values that have enabled our community to thrive. 

Thank you to everyone who spoke up and ensured our community’s voice would be heard. During the election, the Liberal Party responded to our community’s four core policy questions with a number of important commitments, some of which were also incorporated into their platform. This included increased funding to protect Jewish institutions, stronger laws to bring to justice those seeking to intimidate our community, and working with allies to deter Iran's destabilizing role in the Middle East.  

Words matter, but actions are what really count. Our team is directly engaging the new government to urge them to move quickly on implementing these promises and other critical policy changes.  

We are inviting every member of our community to join us in that call-to-action. To maximize our impact, we will be providing you with more opportunities to hold elected officials accountable at all levels of government.  

In addition to digital campaigns, we are building a cross-Canada movement of community advocates willing to donate their time to call and meet with their MPs and other elected officials. Can we count on you to join us? Please click below to sign up. 

People sometimes ask us if reaching out to politicians makes a real difference. In last month’s election, the messages sent by you and thousands of other community members opened a window of opportunity for urgently needed change. Now is the time to hold that window open—and urge our leaders to turn their promises into practical impact. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Noah Shack 
Interim President  
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs