“What are your thoughts, wishes and aspirations for the future of the Jewish community of Toronto?”
Andria Spindel: It would delight me to see that the Toronto Jewish community had a better understanding of inclusion including disability, gender and sexual orientation, as well as of Jews of colour and non Ashkenazi traditions.
"We are not a homogeneous people, and much needs to be done to educate Jews and non Jews about Jewish diversity."
I envision that the Jewish community will show leadership in achieving full accessibility under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), meet the necessary standards as well as educating about them within the community. I envision community events and activities more reflective of disability and diversity. This will includes recruiting, training, employing both volunteers and staff with disabilities, as well as from non white and non traditional communities. This begins by acknowledging the diversity among us, by outreach, and by ongoing recognition of all who are Jews, and by producing material which illustrate diversity in all its manifestations.
There is much to celebrate in the diversity that Israel. The Toronto Jewish community should support the efforts of Jews by choice, Jews of colour, Jews with disabilities and LGBTQ Jews to be part of both Israel and the diaspora.
Technology will help create a more level playing field for persons with disabilities, medicine will advance health and longevity and all facets of life will chnage enabling greater participation by people of all ages and abilities. The Community should do much to support this.
Respectfully submitted by,
Andria Spindel, MSW, LLB honoris causa
President and CEO, March of Dimes Canada
Chair, Jewish Diversity Committee of Congregation Darchei Noam
President, Canadian Friends of Kulanu Inc.
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is currently undergoing a strategic planning process. By taking a few minutes of your time you will have the opportunity to express your opinion about where you think UJA’s funding priorities should lie and what the core issues are that we need to be focusing upon over the coming years. Most importantly you will be participating in a community wide effort to work together to take responsibility for shaping our collective future. Visit the survey page.
Andria Spindel (right), President and CEO, March of Dimes Canada
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