John,

Earlier today, as we eagerly await the release of all Israeli hostages, more than a thousand community members and allies came together in a powerful demonstration of unity. Joined by Canadian families whose loved ones were either murdered on October 7 or taken hostage, we drew strength from their courage and the power of our community's solidarity.

We extend our gratitude to Ashley Waxman Bakshi, Ohad Lapidot, Raquel Ohnona Look, and Jacqui Rivers Vital for sharing their deeply personal stories. The bravery, resilience, and light of their loved ones continue to inspire us all.

As we look ahead with both hope and uncertainty to what the next few days may bring, we share this special message from Elan Pratzer, CIJA Board Chair:

A Message from Elan Pratzer

Thank you, Jacqui, Raquel, Ohad, and Ashley for those powerful reflections. Your courage, humanity and resilience are an inspiration to all of us and emblematic of our people. And why, despite the ongoing efforts to eliminate the Jewish nation, for the last 2,500 years, we persevere while our enemies fade. 

Many of us have lived our lives over the last two years with heavy hearts and wonder: How can we celebrate when so many of our people are in pain?

We just read from the deep wisdom of King Solomon this past Shabbat, that even when difficult moments envelop us, we must recognize the wonderful moments and have joy. The release of our remaining hostages is a moment of joy, revel in it. This is a moment of celebration from our hearts, from our souls and for our souls.

King Solomon teaches that there's a time for war and a time for peace. Like Israel, we must recognize that the joyful moment of peace is now, but we recognize the greater war is not over. Our enemies in Canada are not celebrating the ceasefire. They are not celebrating the end of war. They continue to call for our destruction, the destruction of Western values, and they endanger our lives here in Canada and around the world. The ceasefire is not here in Canada. 

Our job at CIJA is to continue to fight for our people in Canada, Canada itself, for Western values and for the people of Israel. We will not relent.

For our allies and our community, your job is only at the end of the beginning of our battle. To all of you, we ask you to continue to show up when called upon, speak out in the face of this hatred and hypocrisy to whomever and whenever they appear and to reach out to your politicians at every level and let them know how you feel.

Be bold and proud. Our sages teach us: Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh - every Jew is responsible for one another. We must hold ourselves accountable. We have an obligation to take action. You must not be passive. Do something.

Am Yisrael Chai. Od Avinu v’Imenu Chai.