We’re writing to update you on what’s happening—and what you can do—in the fight against hatred of Israel and Jews. 

Many in the community are alarmed, worried, and outraged at what we’re seeing in Canada. So are we.

The celebration of Hamas at anti-Israel protests, and the distortions and double standards growing within society, are a danger to every member of our community.

As Professor Irwin Cotler shared last night at our rally for the hostages (watch here): “Whatever 2023 may be, it is not 1943.” We live in a world with a strong Jewish state that ensures Jews are no longer powerless when threatened. This is no less true for our Toronto Jewish community.

We have Israel—and therefore we have the confidence to stand up and fight hate without apology. We also have the support of allies in law enforcement, in politics, and in various communities standing with us.

Israelis have set aside all divisions to unite for a fight they can’t afford to lose. We must do the same here in Toronto. It isn’t about any one organization or leader. It’s about our community uniting and every single one of us playing a role.

Anti-Israel voices are getting louder. It’s time to raise our voices together—with pride and truth about why all Canadians should stand with Jews, Israel, and the values of democracy.

Save the Date: Join us on Sunday, November 12^th at 2 PM for a massive, outdoor rally to show our strength as a community together with allies. Stay tuned for more details about a day of action to stand with Israel and other democracies targeted by terrorists. Bring your friends—Jews and allies alike—so we can make the biggest impact together.

We also need to continuing advocating to Canada's leaders. Click here to send a message to our elected officials through an action alert set up by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). It only takes a moment and it’s critically important they hear from as many people as possible. Urge our leaders to use every tool in Canada’s power to pressure Hamas and its backers to release the hostages. Call on Canada's elected officials to stand with Israel and with our Jewish community.

Polling we’ve conducted shows that Canadians with a close Jewish friend or colleague are twice as likely as other Canadians to strongly oppose antisemitism. The lesson? Our greatest asset is our people.

When we each speak up and take action, the research demonstrates that those who care about us will listen. In contrast, hiding who we are or staying quiet only creates space for antisemites to spread their toxic message.

It means we urgently need every member of our community and every ally to be an activist. You don’t have to be an expert. It’s as simple as speaking out to those around you. Sharing your connection with Israel and your concerns for its people. And voicing just how worried you are about the rise of antisemitism in Canada—and how it impacts you and your family.

So many are already engaged in the fight against antisemitism, whether through UJA, other organizations, or grassroots groups. We’re working to coordinate these efforts on a community-wide basis and invite more people to play a role. Here are a few opportunities:

• If you want to receive special updates for activists, please click here to subscribe. We’ll keep you informed about the latest info and opportunities to make a difference.

• If you are on social media, follow and share UJA’s campaign No Room for Terror. And join UJA Genesis on November 27 for Unlocking Your Digital Power, a practical workshop with Hen Mazzig and other leaders on social media.

• If you are a university graduate, parent of a student, or donor to a university, please speak up. Email the president of your university and ask them to prioritize the issue of campus antisemitism. Hillel Ontario and other student groups are urging university administrations to condemn and hold accountable those who target our students. It’s crucial that universities now hear from our entire community.

• If you are a parent of a public school student and are concerned about antisemitism, please speak up. Email the Director of Education at your school board (click here for Toronto and here for York Region). If you are a Jewish educator in the public system, we have resources to help—please connect with us.

• If you are a lawyer who wants to help, please let us know. CIJA's Legal Task Force is uniting some of the top legal minds in our community as volunteers to combat hate. Have you experienced antisemitic discrimination and are looking for legal recourse? To volunteer or request help to address a legal issue such as discrimination in the workplace, professional misconduct, or refusal of service, email us.
• If you would like to support a public awareness campaign—including billboards and signage on buildings in Toronto—let us know. We are launching a strong campaign to share the truth about Hamas and the rise of antisemitism in our city. A growing number of community members have stepped up to help, including by offering use of buildings and public spaces for signage. Email us if you’d like to get involved and help spread the message.

• If you are a member of a union—or would like to advocate within your workplace—let us know. We have resources to share and we’re building activist networks in key industries and workplaces. Email us for more details and to get involved.
• The security of our community remains the foundation of it all. This is a time for heightened vigilance, combined with resilience in continuing to live our lives as proud Jews. If you see something, please say something. Call 911 in an emergency. Report any incidents or concerning rumours to UJA Community Security.

These are just a few of the many elements of a community-wide, all-hands-on-deck strategy. We’re grateful for the countless incredible community members, professionals, and organizations working tirelessly to fight antisemitism right now.

Together, we will ensure that Canada remains home to a secure and thriving Jewish community for our children and grandchildren. Because this is what we fight for when we combat antisemitism.

Am Yisrael Chai,