Security Alert
Imagine learning that over 100 Jewish institutions, including synagogues and schools across Canada, were targeted with a mass threatening email. This was exactly the situation that occurred a week ago at approximately 5:00 am across the Greater Toronto Area. There was a mass email message sent out by the Jewish federations to all, headed, “Dear Community Security Leaders”, advising of a threat, and confirming the actions already taken, including alerting the police.
CAEF is grateful to the community security team for its vigilance, its actions and its sharing of information. We acknowledge this raises fears among the Jewish communities across Canada.
We urge vigilance, but also strength to stand together, proudly, Zionist, Jewish, confident. We belong here, we will remain here, we will overcome this vile period of Jew hatred and help Canada to be the country of freedom, equality and justice that we have always believed it was and to which we have always contributed.
Grief Stricken, Jews Must Continue to Stand United
The horror of October 7th continues for Israel and the Jewish world as the barbaric inhuman acts of Hamas continue-shocking the very soul of humanity. The IDF located six hostages in terror tunnels in Gaza, only to find them all murdered some hours before their discovery. The savagery of Hamas cannot be understated, cannot be ignored, cannot be negotiated into non-existence.
As reported by Combat Antisemitism Movement, before last Shabbat, these six beautiful people were still alive “…Hersh Goldberg, 23; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Carmel Gat, 39; Almog Sarusi, 26; Alex Lubnov, 32; Ori Danino, 25. All were found executed by Hamas in Gaza. Medical analysis confirmed that they were shot at close range and were still alive 72 hours before their bodies were discovered by the Israeli Army.”
All Israel mourns and must not be divided by false claims, enemy propaganda, wishful beliefs, and powerful lobbyists. Here are some things you can do:
Attend a Rally/Vigil:Canadians, watch for notice of events coming.
Join the “Add Yours” Campaign on Instagram:Call for the immediate release of all hostages. Join the Campaign Here.
Thank Elected Officials:Show your appreciation for any officials, who take a stand against the terrorists.
Call to University Administrations: Urge university administrations to prohibit pro-Hamas groups from hosting events on October 7, as it is equivalent to allowing pro-Al-Qaeda events on campus on September 11.
Recent CAEF Community and Allied Contributions
CAEF contributed funding to Ashkenaz Festival security.
CAEF is a contributing sponsor of the first Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem Symposium, presented by the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem, October 29, 2024.
ACADEMIC SYMPOSIUM Indigenous Perspectives - The View from Jerusalem: Land, People, Story
29 October 2024, Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem
For more information, click here.
CAEF has a contributed a grant to the University of Ottawa in support of a research project, The Impact of Antisemitism on Faculty, being conducted by Dr. Cary Kogan (U of Ottawa), Dr. Deidre Butler (Carleton U), Sharona Goldenberg (Natanya Academic College) and Dr. Gerry Leisman, (University of Haifa).
CAEF contributed to the Documentary Project of the Bedein Center for Near East Policy Research, that has videoed Palestinian Arab summer camps and schools run by UNRWA for decades. These films show the actual training of Arab kids to hate Jews, kill them, deny Israel’s existence and wish to be martyrs on the alter of Islamism. This partnership has resulted in a grant funds from Maspik/JNF, administered by CIJA that will enable distribution of the recent 2024 film made in summer camps in Judea and Samaria. See more here. Contributions welcome, click here.
Capital Pride, a Capital Insult to Jewish Community
Anti-Israel protesters interrupt at every public occasion. Read this excerpt from story sent to CAEF from Ottawa Pride Parade bystander, Geoffrey Katz.
“The parade organizers’ statement and the Jewish Federation’s withdrawal from the parade apparently allowed free rein for pro-Palestinian elements, their supporters and hangers-on. Large groups waved Palestinian flags, carried signs and chanted the oft-heard slogans: ‘From the river to the sea …,’ ‘Free, free …’ and more. Many smaller groups waved Palestinian flags along with the Pride flag or added the occasional pro-Palestinian chant to their Pride slogans. Everyone was boisterous with lots of hooting, hollering and clapping, including the pro-Palestinian participants.”
CAEF Presents and Co-Presents Many Important Events
An Evening Celebrating Integrity in Journalism and Media, honours Rob Roberts, Editor-in-chief of the National Post. Roberts will be presented with the Advocate Award of Excellence. Opening remarks from Conrad Black, Founder of the National Post.
Women on the Front Lines
National Council of Jewish Women presents Joan Lurie, Co-Chair of Jewish NGOs at the UN in NY on September 19. Co-sponsored by CAEF, Joan will discuss “What Can be Done at the UN and how the Diaspora can help." Register here.
Woke Antisemitism—What is it? How to Fight it.
In person only, hear from David Bernstein, Founder of the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values, Michael Poliakoff, President and CEO of American Association of Trustees and Alumni, Bruce Pardy, Professor of Law, Ragini Sharma, President of Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education. Register for this symposium, September 22 at the Prosserman JCC. Register here.
Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran: from Crisis to Victory
Hold the Date, September 23rd, Brig. General Amir Avivi, Founder and CEO of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, in person at Adath Israel Synagogue. Registration required and available soon.
Visit and Connect Virtually with Hostage Families in Hostage Square, or join a group for viewing on September 22nd
International Coalition Against Racism Everywhere (ICARE) Commemorates Murder of Mahsa Amini
On the second anniversary of the murder of Mahsa Amini, we stand with the people of Iran in their fight for freedom.
Register for this important in person free event with our Iranian friends. Show your support.
CAEF Presented Many Experts—Access Webinar Recordings
CAEF offers everyone a range of interesting webinar recordings, documenting the strains of the antisemitic virus, the strength of Unapologetic Zionism, and the impact of Wokeism in spreading antisemitism, and much more.
Recommended Reading
Read the August 21, 2024 article in the Jewish Chronicle on the UN exhibition on terror which completely ignores October 7,2023 massacre in Israel.
Read Warren Kinsella in the Toronto Sun on Questionable charities’ ties to terrorism.
Read CTV News about the offensive flag under investigagion in Kitchener.
Read why Labour Unions are increasingly anti-Israel, in article by Gabby Deutch published by Jewish Insider, August 28, 2024.
Read of Canadian families of victims of October 7th, sue the federal government for funding UNRWA.
Read the Pollara article about Canadian views on campus protests about the Israel-Hamas war.
Recommended Viewing
Watch Avi Abelow, Pulse of Israel on the History of Gaza.
Resources for Students and Parents
Many organizations are grappling with the challenge of preparing their Jewish children, all ages, for the upcoming school year. It is anticipated that it will be stressful and even challenging. It is felt that some ongoing anti-Israel activity, false claims and victimizing will take place. It is understood that not all teachers, administrators or executives in the school system are informed, are actively putting down antisemitism, and some even contribute to it. At the university level, one can only imagine what the post-encampment attitudes will be. Jewish students and their parents, allies, and all supports need to be thinking about preparation.
Here are some resources.
Advocacy and Action
Read letter from Doris Epstein, Toronto to the National Post re Gaza immigrants and Canada’s failure to fulfill pledge to Yezidis.
Sign B’nai Brith Canada’s petition to the Federal Government to add the Houthis to the terrorist list.
Toronto protests CUPE president Fred Hahn
Dozens protested at CUPE Ontario office on August 27th, demanding the firing of Ontario President, Fred Hahn, due to his repeated offensive antisemitic postings. Jewish union and non-union members and others, argue the union should be dealing with wages and workers’ issues instead of focusing on and damning Israel, sparking hatred and dissent, endangering and isolating its own Jewish members.
Read excerpt from a National Post article here:
“… Charles Cooke, a government relations representative for the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation, who is also on the group’s board, learned about Tuesday’s rally through social media. He attended to condemn Hahn’s remarks. ‘He leads CUPE in Ontario, and it’s completely unacceptable that we have a union leader in Canada, in Ontario, spewing brazen hate toward any community. It wouldn’t be tolerated with any other group,’ Cooke said. ‘That’s why we are here.’”
Write to Demand Fairness for the Federation of Israeli Medical Students
The International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) recently suspended the Federation of Israeli Medical Students for two years. If the decision is not reversed, Israel's student organization will be permanently removed from the IFMSA. Doctors Against Racism and Antisemitism (DARA) has responded to this unconscionable action. CAEF joins DARA in urging You to make your voice heard.
Write to IFMSA and CFMS, Canadian Federation of Medical Students. See letter template below. Contact info: president@ifmsa.org AND gs@ifmsa.org Contact info: president@cfms.org
Letter copy:
At the recent meeting of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) in early August, 2 motions were passed suspending the Federation of Israeli Medical Students (FIMS) from the IFMSA. This was done by disregarding established procedures in failing to undertake an independent investigation. Also, counter to protocol, the bylaws and the minutes were suspended just prior to the vote. This action betrayed the existence of Israel-related antisemitism in the IFMSA.
The Federation of the German Medical Students (bvmd) has written, decrying this shameful and unprecedented action. We urge you to join the bvmd in condemning this action and moving to have it immediately reversed.
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