Joint Statement Condemning the
December 3 ‘Jews Say No to Genocide’
Protest in Ottawa
December 4, 2024 - We, the undersigned organizations, categorically denounce the disgraceful protest organized yesterday by the so-called “Jews Say No to Genocide” coalition. This group staged a reckless and inflammatory demonstration in the lobby of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street—home to the offices of many Members of Parliament. Their actions represent an egregious distortion of Jewish values and a calculated attempt to hijack Jewish identity to serve a divisive anti-Zionist agenda.
‘Jews Say No to Genocide’ is a collective of organizations on the margins of the Jewish community in Canada. These organizations, including Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), align themselves with anti-Israel movements that target the Jewish state and provide legitimacy to antisemitic rhetoric. This fringe coalition does not represent Canadian Jews and has no authority to speak on behalf of our community.
As the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) handbook makes clear, "approximately 91% of Canadian Jews believe Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state – the essence of Zionism." This statistic demonstrates the profound connection Canadian Jews have to Israel. For the majority of Canadian Jewry Zionism is a core part of their identity. By denying this and equating Israel’s legitimate self-defense with genocide, these groups weaponize Jewish suffering to promote a dangerous and hateful ideology.
We refuse to remain silent as Independent Jewish Voices and their partners recklessly endanger Jewish Canadians by perpetuating lies and fomenting hostility. Their shameful antics yesterday, which trivialize genocide and unduly vilify Israel, undermine the safety of Jewish Canadians and foster the very antisemitism they claim to oppose.
These groups stand in direct opposition to the values of the Jewish community, and their toxic rhetoric is rejected by the overwhelming majority of Canadian Jews. Their actions were not only irresponsible but also an affront to Jewish history, dignity, and identity.
We call on Parliament, Canadian leaders, and the public to see these groups for what they are: radical activists who do not represent the mainstream Jewish community. We urge all Canadians to reject their disruptive agenda and instead stand with the 91% of Canadian Jews who support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and who remain committed to the fight against antisemitism in all its forms.
Let this serve as a clear statement: we reject the Jews Say No to Genocide’s narrative and stand firmly with the 91% of Canadian Jews who support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.
Signed:
Allied Voices for Israel
B'nai Brith
Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation
Canadian Institute for Jewish Research
Canadian Jewish Law Association
Canadian Women Against Antisemitism
Davenport Concerned Citizens
Emet Talks
End Jew Hatred
Jewish Educators and Families Association
Lawfare Project
Lawyers Combating Antisemitism
OneGlobalVoice
StandWithUs Canada
Tafsik Organization
The Interfaith Bridge
Toronto Zionist Council
VancouverStandsWithIsrael
YALLA!
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