CIJA

This week, we invite you to join us in exploring the extraordinary changes happening in Israel and the Middle East and how they impact Canada's Jewish community.

Join us Thursday, February 9 at 12:00 p.m. ET for an online townhall to gain invaluable insight into the new Israeli coalition government and its priorities – and what they mean for the Jewish community in Canada.

Yaron Deckel, Senior Emissary of the Jewish Agency for Israel, will moderate the conversation between expert panelists Mark Regev, Chair of the Abba Eban Institute at Reichman University, and Dr. Einat Wilf, author and former Israeli politician.

On March 2, at CIJA’s sixth Legal Task Force Conference, internationally renowned expert panelists will explore the repercussions of the Abraham Accords from a legal perspective and what they mean for Israel. Although geared toward the legal community, many others may be interested in this conference, for which a professional fee of $180 is charged.

Join us to get answers to the following questions and more: What are the key elements of negotiating of bilateral agreements and navigating the various legal systems? How do lawyers from countries party to the Abraham Accords view them? How can law be used to enhance vs. harm ties between Israel and the Arab World? What should Canadian lawyers know about the new situation?

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to honour the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians throughout history.

Find details about events happening across Canada to celebrate Black History Month and learn about key figures in both Black Canadian and Black Jewish Canadian history, including profiles of prominent leaders, activists, and community members who have made outstanding contributions to Canadian society.

In January, we joined the Jewish Federation of Ottawa in applauding members of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) for voting unanimously to hire a Jewish Equity Coach to serve as the main point of contact for students and staff facing antisemitism and to educate students on antisemitism and the Holocaust.

Last week, CIJA hosted a meeting with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce, and Ottawa PC Caucus members Minister Merrilee Fullerton, Lisa MacLeod and Goldie Ghamari. They discussed the decision to hire an Equity Coach, the recent issues related to hate and antisemitism facing the OCDSB that led to it, and other steps taken to address them.

Minister Lecce committed to continued support for the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Ottawa Jewish community and to ensuring the OCDSB is held accountable for the environment it provides to all students and teachers and for finding lasting solutions to rising incidents of hate.