The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.

50+ Messages / Page

  CIJA · [email protected]
May 4, 2026 at 12:26 PM

Celebrating Jewish Heritage, Fighting for a Brighter Future

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. John, Today more than ever, Jewish pride matters. While there are many ways to confront antisemitism, one of the most powerful is to double down on being defiantly Jewish. In this edition, we look at what we have planned for Jewis…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
April 28, 2026 at 10:59 PM

A Significant Step Forward for Community Security

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. Dear John, Our community is facing threats I never thought possible growing up in Canada. Many of us wake up each day wondering whether another Jewish-owned business has had its windows smashed. Whether another synagogue has bee…
  CIJA · [email protected]
April 23, 2026 at 4:01 PM

Make Our Community Count – Complete the 2026 Census

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. Dear John, Canada’s Jewish community is facing a defining moment and being counted has never mattered more. Starting on May 4, 2026, the national census begins. Canadian households will receive an invitation letter in the mail with…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
March 31, 2026 at 8:42 PM

A personal note as we enter Passover together

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. Dear John, Tomorrow evening, Jews worldwide will gather at the seder table to celebrate Passover, the festival of our freedom.    In 2026, the very idea of freedom is under assault.   Israeli children are growing up in a coun…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
March 12, 2026 at 11:04 PM

From Crisis to Action: Securing Our Community

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. John,  On Saturday morning, we awoke to devastating news of two more synagogues targeted in shooting attacks. Since then, news of synagogues around the world being targeted have shaken us. While this escalation is shocking, it is n…
  CIJA · [email protected]
March 11, 2026 at 4:49 PM

Community Briefing on National Security

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. John, Our community knows all too well that when tensions flare in the Middle East, we often feel the consequences here at home.  In the wake of the shootings targeting three Toronto-area synagogues this past week, as well as antis…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
March 6, 2026 at 3:54 PM

An Advocacy Update for Our Community

Open in Browser Pour la version fran?aise, cliquez ici. John, The past week has brought both hope and hardship. The threat posed by Iran's Islamic Republic, which has inflicted pain and suffering on its own people, the region, and the world, is being directly confronted. Canada has l…
  CIJA · [email protected]
March 3, 2026 at 6:15 PM

Exclusive Webinar: Iranian-Canadian Voices for Freedom

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. John, As we continue to follow events overseas, last night’s shooting incident at a synagogue in Toronto is an alarming reminder of the threat environment here in Canada.  At a time when Iran’s Islamic Regime poses a heightened dan…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
March 2, 2026 at 2:46 PM

Call Your MP Right Now

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. John, At this historic moment, we feel the pain and uncertainty of our Jewish family in Israel, as well as our Iranian friends who are concerned for their loved ones. And we feel our responsibility as Canadians to make our voices h…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
March 1, 2026 at 1:24 AM

Update on Developments in Israel and Iran

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. John, Like the entire world, our Canadian Jewish community is watching the momentous events unfolding in the Middle East. Today marked an historic turning point for millions of people worldwide. Inside Iran, the brave Iranian peopl…
  CIJA · [email protected]
February 13, 2026 at 7:50 PM

Canada and Israel: Time for Strategic Renewal 

Open in Browser John, This week we're highlighting a new op-ed from our CEO on renewing Canada–Israel strategic ties amid a shifting global order; a recap of our Criminal Law Working Group convening on hate crimes and enforcement; and opportunities for you to take action and engage decision-m…
  Richard Marceau | CIJA · [email protected]
February 1, 2026 at 3:30 PM

Hate Motivated-Crimes Are Surging… Why Can’t There Be More Consequences?

John, A special invitation from the Canadian Criminal Law Working Group – a partnership between CIJA, the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism, and the Canadian Jewish Law Association – that delivers justice for victims of hate crimes. RSVP Since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7 in…
  CIJA · [email protected]
January 29, 2026 at 12:30 AM

Stand with the People of Iran | Soutenez le peuple iranien

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. John, We have all been moved by the extraordinary courage of the Iranian people. Day after day, Iranian protestors risked their lives to demand an end to decades of repression. Hundreds of thousands rose up against the Ayatollahs of…
  CIJA · [email protected]
January 25, 2026 at 4:06 PM

Demand Action When Parliament Returns | Demandez des mesures précises dès la reprise des travaux parlementaires

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. Dear John, ThisTuesday, as we mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we are confronted with the reality that remembrance alone is notenough. “Never Again” must be more than words – it must be a resolve to act. TAKE ACTION Th…
  CIJA · [email protected]
January 19, 2026 at 2:09 PM

Urge Parliament to Fight Hate

Open in Browser Pour la version française, cliquez ici. John, Next week, Members of Parliament return to Ottawa to resume work on legislation and government action meant to improve life for all Canadians. They do so at a critical moment—and we need your help to send a clear message to dec…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
December 14, 2025 at 11:45 PM

After Sydney: A Message to Our Jewish Community

John, We awoke this morning to devastating news: Jews gathered to celebrate Chanukah in Sydney, Australia, were murdered in a targeted terrorist attack. They were parents and children, grandparents and friends – families just like ours. As Jews around the world grieve, expressions of sympathy …
  CIJA · [email protected]
December 8, 2025 at 5:02 PM

Bill C-9: Joint Statement by Five Jewish Organizations | Projet de Loi C-9: Déclaration Commune de Cinq Organisations Juives

Open in Browser **Version française du communiqué ci-dessous** Bill C-9: Joint Statement by B'nai Brith Canada, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism, Canadian Women Against Antisemitism, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs For mor…
  CIJA · [email protected]
November 28, 2025 at 3:31 PM

Take Action - Don’t Play Politics with History | Agissez - Ne manipulez pas l'histoire à des fins politiques !

Open in Browser Version française John, This Sunday, Jewish communities across Canada and around the world will gather to mark Yom HaPlitim. Together, we will commemorate the nearly one million Jews forced from their ancestral homes in the Middle East and North Africa during the 20th centur…
  CIJA · [email protected]
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Take Action on the Nakba Exhibit | Agissez pour l'exposition sur la Nakba

Open in Browser Version française John, The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is about to launch a controversial exhibit: “Uprooting Palestine: The Nakba Past and Present.” Human rights matter—and so does history. Unfortunately, this exhibit has lacked proper consultation and omits the ex…
  CIJA · [email protected]
November 20, 2025 at 10:45 PM

Confront Hamas in Canada | Faire face au Hamas, ici, au Canada

View Online Version française John, A recent Global News investigation should concern every Canadian: at least 450 individuals with roles in Hamas are reported to have ties to Canada. TAKE ACTION These individuals range from permanent residents and relatives of Canadians to citi…
  CIJA | Howard Fremeth · [email protected]
October 31, 2025 at 4:31 PM

Holocaust Education Month in the Shadow of October 7 | Le Mois de l'éducation sur l'Holocauste: Dans l'ombre du 7 octobre

Le français suit Dear John, “All other nations that tried to kill us have perished. Yet we have survived. Look at you.” I will never forget these powerful words from Marie Doduck – a Survivor and co-founder of the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre – that I heard last year at an even…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
October 24, 2025 at 12:55 PM

Urge the Government to Boost Jewish Security | Exiger du gouvernement l’augmentation du financement destiné à la sécurité des Juifs

View Online Version française John, Exactly two weeks ahead of the November 4 federal budget, Jewish leaders from across Canada gathered on Parliament Hill to meet with the government and the opposition. Together, we delivered a united message to elected officials from both sides o…
  CIJA · [email protected]
October 13, 2025 at 9:00 PM

Community Briefing: Making Sense of Canada’s Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9)

Last month, the federal government introduced the Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9) to strengthen Canada’s response to hate-motivated crime. Yet questions remain about the implications of Bill C-9 for our community. This Community Briefing brings together a panel of leading criminal law experts …
  CIJA · [email protected]
October 12, 2025 at 8:42 PM

Drawing Strength from Canadian Families Impacted by October 7

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…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
October 9, 2025 at 11:02 PM

At this Critical Moment, Gather with The Community

John, The Israeli cabinet has just approved the first phase of the U.S.-led peace initiative -- paving the way for the release of every Israeli hostage taken on October 7. In the coming days, our community will join our brothers and sisters in Israel on an emotional rollercoaster as we awa…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
October 5, 2025 at 2:33 PM

Playing Now: The Road Between Us | À l'affiche : The Road Between Us

View Online Version française John, Just ahead of the two-year anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7 terrorist attacks, Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich’s powerful new film, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, opened in theatres across Canada. Find Your Local Theatre This…
  CIJA · [email protected]
October 3, 2025 at 6:17 PM

Manchester Must Be a Wake-Up Call

View Online Version française John, On our holiest day, we gathered to pray, fast, and seek atonement. And in one corner of the Diaspora, Jews were murdered for it. When I heard the news of the terror attack at a Manchester synagogue, I had just arrived at my own synagogue. I imm…
  Noah Shack | CIJA · [email protected]
October 1, 2025 at 11:32 AM

A Special Yom Kippur Message to Our Community | Message spécial à toute notre communauté à l'occasion de Yom Kippour

View Online Version Francaise John, Tonight, Jews worldwide will begin to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in our calendar. As we gather in synagogues across the country to recite the powerful Kol Nidre prayer, we will feel the additional weight of the struggles confronting the Je…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
September 21, 2025 at 7:17 PM

An Advocacy Update for Our Community

View Online John, Today, the Government of Canada has officially recognized Palestinian statehood, in concert with the governments of the United Kingdom and Australia.  More details may be read here , as well as the government's statement  and CIJA's public response .  In our comm…
  Noah Shack & Elan Pratzer | CIJA · [email protected]
September 18, 2025 at 6:49 PM

An Update: Our Meeting with the Prime Minister  | Une vue d’ensemble: Retour sur notre rencontre avec le Premier ministre 

View Online Version Francaise John -- On Monday, the very first day of Parliament, CIJA and our Federation partners were in Ottawa to meet with the Prime Minister. We shared with him what we are hearing in community conversations across the country: Canadian Jews are questioning whet…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
September 9, 2025 at 10:06 PM

Extremists Silence Canadians from Cheering on Team Canada 🇨🇦

La version française suit la version anglaise. Dear John, Tennis Canada just announced that the Davis Cup matches in Halifax will be played without spectators in the stadium because of "escalating safety concerns." Extremists are threatening our Canadian way of life—and our leaders need…
  CIJA | Noah Shack · [email protected]
September 5, 2025 at 4:51 PM

This Weekend: Stand Against Hate | Ce week-end : luttez contre la haine

John, This Saturday and Sunday, September 6th and 7th, hateful protestors will once again target Indigo and Chapters stores across Canada as part of a persistent campaign of harassment, vandalism, and intimidation against Jewish businesses. For two years, extremists have targeted our plac…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
August 26, 2025 at 10:47 PM

Urge Canada to change course on Palestinian statehood | Exigez un changement de cap du Canada sur la question de l'État palestinien

La version française suit la version anglaise. Dear John, Today, Germany made it clear they will not recognize Palestinian statehood. After meeting with Prime Minister Carney, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany “does not consider the conditions for state recognition to be fulfilled in …
  CIJA · [email protected]
August 24, 2025 at 2:04 PM

Navigating Antisemitism in the New School Year: A National Townhall | Faire face à l'antisémitisme dans la nouvelle année scolaire : une réunion publique nationale

John, With the new school year fast approaching, I—like many of you—am thinking about how to ensure our children are safe, supported, and ready to thrive in the classroom. Across Canada, parents and grandparents are searching for ways to set their kids up for success—especially in the fac…
  CIJA · [email protected]
August 18, 2025 at 8:34 PM

Navigating the New School Year: A National Townhall | Vers la nouvelle rentrée scolaire: assistez à une assemblée publique

John, With the new school year fast approaching, I—like many of you—am thinking about how to ensure our children are safe, supported, and ready to thrive in the classroom. Across Canada, parents and grandparents are searching for ways to set their kids up for success—especially in the fac…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
August 15, 2025 at 1:00 AM

TIFF Reinstates 'The Road Between Us' | Le TIFF réintègre « The Road Between Us »

John,  Thank you. To every single one of you who sent an email, picked up the phone, told a friend, raised your voice, and drove action to push back against TIFF’s shameful decision to exclude The Road Between Us.  Your voices were heard, and TIFF just announced that it will reinstate the C…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
August 13, 2025 at 5:42 PM

TIFF Uninvites October 7 Documentary—Caving to Extremists

In partnership with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre, we call on our community to take action . Dear John, The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has uninvited the October 7 documentary The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue—by Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich—from its fest…
  CIJA · [email protected]
August 4, 2025 at 11:31 PM

You're invited to a special briefing: Unpacking Palestinian Statehood

John, Our community is speaking out and taking action to oppose any Canadian recognition of a Palestinian state—especially as Israeli hostages are held captive, Hamas remains in power and without real change by the Palestinian Authority. Every member of our community has a role to play, a…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
August 1, 2025 at 1:02 PM

Tell Your MP: No Recognition Without Real Change | Dites à votre député : Pas de reconnaissance sans changement réel

View in Browser Version Française John, One phone call triggered a major shift in Canadian foreign policy. Now it’s your turn to make a call that counts. CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION Over the past few months, Prime Minister Carney laid out foundational principles for a future Palest…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
July 30, 2025 at 12:50 PM

Tell the PM: Real Peace = No Failed Terror State

View in Browser John, 20 years ago, Israel left Gaza completely and handed the territory to the Palestinian leadership. Rather than build positive conditions for statehood, Hamas turned Gaza into a terrorist pseudo-state. It brutalized Gazans. It massacred Israelis. And it ignited t…
  Nico Slobinsky, CIJA · [email protected]
July 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM

A Special Virtual Event with Irwin Cotler & John Baird

John, It has been over three decades since the Jewish community of Buenos Aires was targeted in what is still the deadliest terrorist attack in Argentina’s history. On this solemn anniversary, I invite you to join me for a special virtual event: 31 Years After AMIA: The Islamic Republic’s …
  Howard Fremth, CIJA · [email protected]
July 10, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Keep Kneecap & Bob Vylan Off Canadian Stages

View in Browser Version Française John, Kneecap and Bob Vylan have come under widespread international condemnation for their hate-fueled, extremist rhetoric.  Their conduct at Glastonbury Music Festival, including chants of “Death to the IDF” and the display of a Hezbollah flag at …
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
July 3, 2025 at 4:01 PM

A New Chapter—Let’s Take Action Together

View Online Version Francaise John, This is my first message to you as CEO and I want to thank you for your unwavering commitment to our shared mission—one that depends on your active involvement.  Today, I’m asking you to do something bold, but simple: Pick up the phone. Call your M…
  Elan Pratzer · [email protected]
June 27, 2025 at 11:01 AM

CIJA’s Board Announces New CEO

Version française View in browser Dear John, On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am pleased to share that Noah Shack has been selected to serve as CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).  Born and raised in Ottawa, Noah brings an extraordinary depth of skills, expe…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
June 25, 2025 at 5:53 PM

Tell the Public Safety Minister: Act Against Iranian Terrorism

@mwickens John, While we’re closely monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the Iranian regime remains a clear and present threat to Canadians.  Former Liberal Justice Minister, Irwin Cotler—who Iran plotted to assassinate—has warned that Tehran may have activated sleeper cells op…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
June 23, 2025 at 4:21 PM

Tell the Public Safety Minister: Act Against Iranian Terrorism

@mwickens John, This weekend, the U.S. launched precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, marking a critical milestone in the global effort to halt Tehran’s atomic weapons program. As we continue to follow the situation, today we’re also marking Canada’s National Day of Remembrance fo…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
June 17, 2025 at 10:36 PM

A Community Call to Action: Stand Against the Iranian Threat | Note à la communauté : S'opposer à la menace iranienne

Cliquez ici pour la version française View in browser Dear John,  There are moments when our voice—especially when joined with thousands of others—can make a real difference.  Right now, we’re witnessing a historic moment and we need your help.   On June 12, Israel launched preci…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
June 15, 2025 at 1:51 PM

🇨🇦 A Community Call to Action 🇮🇱

Cliquez ici pour la version française Dear Community Members, As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, we stand in steadfast solidarity with the people of Israel. Like you, we are closely following the situation in the region. While the news is quickly evolving, Israel is continuing to condu…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
June 13, 2025 at 9:30 PM

🇨🇦 A Community Call to Action 🇮🇱

Cliquez ici pour la version française Dear Community Members, As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, we stand in steadfast solidarity with the people of Israel. Like you, we are closely following the situation in the region. While the news is quickly evolving, Israel is continuing to condu…
  Noah Shack, CIJA · [email protected]
June 1, 2025 at 2:24 PM

A Message to our Jewish Community | Un message à toute notre communauté juive

View Online Version Francaise John, As we prepare to celebrate Shavuot, I cannot help but look back to last week and think: What a week. In Israel, our hearts and minds are with the hostages and their families. This nightmare has lasted for more than 600 days and our hope is that the fut…