|
|
Dear John, This week, we connected community leaders with Quebec MNAs at the National Assembly in Quebec City and expressed disappointment upon learning that people known to promote antisemitism spoke at an event on Parliament Hill. Read on to learn more. The CIJA Team
On Tuesday, at an event co-sponsored by CIJA and CJPAC, Jewish community leaders met with MNAs from different political parties at our annual cocktail at the National Assembly of Quebec. The event began and continued in the spirit of unity, with expressions of solidarity with Quebec Jewry and condemnations of antisemitism. The evening was another important opportunity for Jewish community leaders to meet Quebec politicians and staff from across the political spectrum to discuss our priorities as a community. We are grateful to all MNAs and community members for participating!
CIJA again called on politicians to undertake careful vetting of speakers at their events prior to issuing invitations to ensure that individuals with histories of promoting hate are not given a platform at the heart of our democracy. This followed news that three Canadian MPs hosted an event that referred to the “chilling” effect of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, the consensus definition that best reflects lived experiences of Jews today and that has been adopted by the federal government and by many provinces. Rejection of IHRA damages the fight against antisemitism. Supported by the United Nations, the European Union, and 35 countries, including the United States and Canada, the IHRA definition is grounded in the research of the world’s foremost experts on antisemitism and the Holocaust.
Alberta's provincial election on Monday had mixed results for both major parties. Danielle Smith's incumbent United Conservative Party retained its majority government but lost seats, including several held by members of cabinet. Rachel Notley's attempt to return to the Premier's seat was thwarted, but she remains as Leader of the Alberta NDP and of the Opposition. Calgary proved to be the key battleground in this year’s election, with seven ridings in the area won by fewer than 400 votes, including Calgary-Acadia where, in the first count, the NDP took the seat from former Justice Minister Tyler Shandro by just seven votes. Although a shift in the exact count as votes are retallied is possible, the final result of a majority UCP government will stand. During the election, CIJA and our partners at the Calgary and Edmonton Jewish Federations released a Jewish Community Priorities Guide for the 2023 Alberta election, setting out our policy asks on community security, education, combating antisemitism, social services, and the Alberta-Israel relationship. We look forward to working with Premier Smith, the Opposition, and the entire Alberta government to advance the quality of Jewish life in Alberta.
CIJA in the NewsJewish group denounces activists accused of antisemitism at Parliament Hill event (Western Standard) Canadian Parliament event to host anti-Israel who’s who (JNS) Community CalendarOctober 16-17 | Antisemitism:
Face It, Fight It Careers |
Naftali Bennett, former Prime Minister
of Israel, will be in Toronto on June 14 to share his insights into
the State of Israel and the road ahead at Friends of Simon Wiesenthal
Center’s annual State of the Union. The discussion will be moderated
by Heather Reisman, Founder and Executive Chair of Indigo Inc.
|
|
|
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada
|
|
Did someone forward you this email? Click here
and sign up to receive CIJA updates directly to your inbox.
This email was sent to [email protected]. |