CIJA

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is the advocacy agent of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, representing Jewish Federations across Canada.

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

CIJA Responds to Prime Minister’s Address on Antisemitism:

The Jewish community is angry, frustrated and deeply concerned for its future in Canada. For nearly three years, Jewish Canadians have watched antisemitism surge across our country while too many institutions, leaders, and authorities failed to respond with the urgency the situation demands. The hate and hostility targeting Canada’s Jewish community is an urgent national crisis.

In a public address to the nation, the Prime Minister acknowledged that antisemitism is a threat to all Canadians. He recognized that the crisis of antisemitism in Canada today is specific, severe, and demands a targeted response. He laid out specific measures the government has introduced, sharing his concern that Canada’s civic compact is failing the Jewish community.

The Prime Minister’s address marks an important moment in an urgently needed, national conversation. What matters most are the actions that will follow.

Urgent focus is now needed to ensure consistent enforcement of the law, as well as serious measures to disrupt radicalization and terrorist activity in Canada. To address the campaign of harassment targeting the Jewish community, authorities must also end the weaponization of public institutions like the Canada Revenue Agency. And in confronting the sources of radicalization, it is essential to recognize antizionist extremism as a driver of hostility toward Canadian Jews since the Hamas-led October 7 terrorist attacks—a point that the Prime Minister did not explicitly make and that Canadians needed to hear.

While the Prime Minister correctly stated that a whole of government approach is required to fight antisemitism, the formation and composition of the new Ministerial Advisory Council raise serious concerns. The challenge facing our country has been studied extensively. Immediate action, rather than further deliberation, is what’s needed now. This new body must not delay or obstruct the urgent measures needed to protect Canadians from the extremists threatening our national security, community safety, and the Canadian way of life.

We urge our Prime Minister and leaders across Canada to act now, in light of these growing threats. Our community will continue to advocate for measures to protect Canadians, confront extremism, and restore confidence that Canada remains a country where Jewish life can thrive safely and openly.

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

If confirmed, while millions of Montrealers worry about drinking water shortages this summer and face very real local issues like the explosion of homelessness, Projet Montréal's priority would therefore be to transpose a foreign conflict into our streets. The party would demonstrate once again that it is more concerned with appeasing a fringe of radical activists than with looking after the people of Montreal.

Not so long ago, however, Projet Montréal stated in full city council that there is no place for antisemitism in Montreal and that they have a zero-tolerance policy on the issue. By moving forward with such a motion, the party would further discredit itself in the eyes of Montrealers. It would allow extremist groups—who relentlessly seek to transpose a foreign conflict and who have spent weeks masking their faces to intimidate our elected officials across various City bodies—to dictate the local political agenda. Filling potholes: no. Erasing Jews from Montreal’s public life: yes. Is this really what Projet Montréal wants?

Projet Montréal still has the choice not to act as the mouthpiece for those who revile Quebec and our shared values. There is still time to rethink this motion and focus on what this party's officials were actually elected to do in the municipal elections: ensure the well-being and safety of all Montrealers. That is their primary responsibility.

[Le CIJA @CIJAQC]

La vice-présidente principale du CIJA @ecijaq a publié la déclaration suivante à propos de la motion incendiaire de Projet Montréal :

Si cela se confirme, pendant que des millions de Montréalais s'inquiètent de manquer d'eau potable cet été et font face à de vrais enjeux locaux comme l'explosion de l'itinérance, la priorité de Projet Montréal serait donc d'importer dans nos rues un conflit étranger. Le parti démontrerait encore une fois qu'il pense davantage à contenter une frange de militants radicaux que de s'occuper de la population montréalaise.

Il n'y a pas si longtemps pourtant, Projet rappelait en plein conseil municipal qu'il n'y avait pas de place à Montréal pour l'antisémitisme et que, pour eux, c'était tolérance zéro sur le sujet. En allant de l'avant avec une telle motion, le parti se discréditerait encore davantage auprès de la population montréalaise, et permettrait ainsi à des groupes extrémistes, qui s'acharnent à importer un conflit étranger et qui intimident nos élus à visage couvert depuis de nombreuses semaines au sein des différentes instances de la Ville, de dicter l'agenda politique local. Boucher les nids-de-poule : non. Effacer les Juifs de la vie publique montréalaise : oui. Est-ce bien ce que veut Projet Montréal?

Projet Montréal a toujours la possibilité de ne pas se faire le porte-voix de ceux qui vomissent le Québec et nos valeurs communes. Il est encore temps de repenser ce "projet" de motion et de se concentrer sur ce pour quoi les élus de ce parti ont été élus aux élections municipales : le bien-être et la sécurité de tous les Montréalais. Voilà leur responsabilité première.

https://t.co/K24YKJpD5Y

#polqc #polcan #polmtl #assnat

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

Just two days ago, the Prime Minister acknowledged that Canada's civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians.

Today, Toronto Police announced additional arrests of hateful extremists who deliberately targeted visibly identifiable Jews in a series of attacks.

When Jewish Canadians cannot safely walk the streets of one of the country's most diverse cities, it is a warning sign for all Canadians. 

We commend the Toronto Police Service, including the Counter-Terrorism Unit and the Hate Crime Unit, for their diligence in bringing those responsible to justice. But arrests alone will not solve this crisis.

The involvement of youth in many of these attacks should serve as a wake-up call. We are witnessing the consequences of radicalization and the normalization of hate. Governments, institutions, and authorities at every level must confront the forces driving this hatred and violence before more Canadians are put at risk.

[Toronto Police @TorontoPolice]

News Release - Four Additional Arrests Made in Hate-Motivated Assault with a Weapon Investigations, Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue West, Bathurst Street and Highway 401
https://t.co/wGmgSuGf37

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

Less than 24 hours after the Prime Minister warned that foreign conflicts must not be transposed to target Canadians, Yuen Pau Woo took to the Senate floor to spread a modern-day blood libel—the same falsehood that has fueled a surge of hatred, intimidation, and violence against Jewish Canadians.

We commend the majority of Senators who rejected this reckless motion accusing Canada of "complicity in genocide in Gaza."

We also acknowledge the leadership of @SenatorHousakos, whose unequivocal opposition to this motion demonstrated the moral clarity this moment demands.

[Nico Slobinsky @nicoslobinsky]

I want to thank Minister @NinaKriegerBC for recognizing the extraordinary costs borne by the Jewish community to keep children, seniors, and families safe. These funds take the proceeds of crime and help its victims, including those targeted by hate. #bcpoli 1/3

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

Great news for Jewish camps in Ontario!

Camp should be about friendship, fun, growth, and making lifelong memories. This new funding will help camps strengthen security and give families greater peace of mind as children head off for the summer.

Thank you to Minister McGregor and the Ontario government for recognizing this need and taking action. We’re also grateful to our partners  @UJAFederation and the @OCACamps for their leadership and advocacy on this important issue.

[Graham McGregor @BramptonGraham]

Every parent should be able to send their child to summer camp without worrying about their safety.

That's why our government is investing $600,000 through a new funding stream under the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant to help Jewish summer camps strengthen security measures in response to rising antisemitism and targeted threats.

We're committed to protecting Jewish youth and ensuring camps remain safe, welcoming places where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

Toronto Police have arrested and charged five individuals connected to the vile antisemitic imagery portraying Jewish people as sub-human at a Bathurst and Sheppard protest in March.

Today's arrests send a strong message: offenders will be held accountable.

We commend the Toronto Police Service and the Counter-Terrorism Security Unit for taking action to protect our community. As Chief Demkiw stated, 'No matter how long it takes, we will root it out.' Now we must build on that momentum and ensure that the fight against antisemitism and extremism remains a priority for every level of government.

But these charges alone cannot address the broader crisis confronting Toronto and communities across Canada. Jewish communities continue to face threats, harassment, intimidation, and violence.

Tonight, Canadians will hear from the Prime Minister. His address should serve as a call to action for governments at all levels, law enforcement agencies, public institutions, and Canadians from all walks of life.

[Toronto Police @TorontoPolice]

Five additional arrests made for Wilful Promotion of Hatred at March 15, 2026, demonstration.

https://t.co/MIrc5oY5dx

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

The Farhud was an outbreak of mob violence against Jews in Baghdad that took place on June 1-2 1941, and marked an inflection point in the history of Iraq’s Jewry.

To commemorate, we’re sharing an article written by our Senior Vice-President @ecijaq on her family’s experience of the Farhud and the lessons we can learn from it.

[Le CIJA @CIJAQC]

Le Farhud fut une vague de violences collectives contre les Juifs à Bagdad qui eut lieu les 1er et 2 juin 1941 et marqua un tournant dans l'histoire de la communauté juive d'Irak.
 
Pour commémorer cet événement, nous partageons un article rédigé par notre vice-présidente principale, @ecijaq , sur le vécu de sa famille lors du Farhud et sur les leçons que nous pouvons en tirer.

https://t.co/IdMm57Wq70

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

Tonight, at 5 p.m. ET, Prime Minister Carney will address the nation of the crisis of antisemitism. CIJA's CEO @nshack says that this is an opportunity to set the tone from the highest office to make clear that nothing can justify the hatred, intimidation, and violence Jewish Canadians are experiencing and that every tool at the government’s disposal will be used to confront it.

"Canada’s laws must be enforced and those who break them held meaningfully accountable. Government and law enforcement must address the drivers of this crisis, including radicalization, promotion of terrorism, and terrorist entities operating here in Canada."

Click here to read more:
https://t.co/NcWQgaaO9g

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

CIJA CEO Noah Shack's Statement Ahead of the Prime Minister's Address on Antisemitism:

Since the Hamas-led October 7 terrorist attacks, extremists at home and foreign actors abroad have weaponized events in the Middle East to fuel hatred and violence against Jewish Canadians.

This has caused an unprecedented crisis: violent assaults and terrorist plots, synagogues and schools shot at and firebombed, businesses and community centres threatened and vandalized. This is happening amidst a broader campaign to drive Jews from public life and out of Canada entirely.

Canada's national security and our Canadian way of life are both under threat.

The federal government has taken important steps to strengthen community security and advance new laws to combat hate. But more is required to advance both protection and prevention.

Canada’s laws must be enforced and those who break them held meaningfully accountable. Government and law enforcement must address the drivers of this crisis, including radicalization, promotion of terrorism, and terrorist entities operating here in Canada.

We have called for vocal and unequivocal leadership from all levels of government. The Prime Minister has an opportunity to set the tone from the highest office to make clear that nothing can justify the hatred, intimidation, and violence Jewish Canadians are experiencing and that every tool at the government’s disposal will be used to confront it.

Monday’s address should serve as a call-to-action for governments, law enforcement, public institutions, and Canadians from all walks of life.
https://t.co/Y41uCG3niB

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

Today, @TorontoPolice and the @YRP announced they have charged a second suspect in the shootings of two synagogues in March.

"We thank the Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police, and all supporting units, including Waterloo Regional Police, involved in this extensive joint investigation for their continued work to identify and apprehend those responsible."

Click here to read the joint statement from @CIJAinfo and @UJAFederation :
https://t.co/Cl7Z7qjNS3

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

Canada’s move to recognize Palestinian statehood before Hamas is removed from power and based on vague promises from a Palestinian Authority that continues to reward terrorists is not a path to peace, writes Iranian-Canadian journalist @mehdimoradi84.

Read the full piece for @MLInstitute here:
https://t.co/U0R8hNBOJ0

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

After nearly two weeks, this is the outcome everyone was hoping for. We’re incredibly relieved that Esther (Esti) has been found safe.

Toronto Police rightly highlighted what made this possible: a true combined effort between investigators and the community. From the countless tips that came in, to the people who shared posts, kept watch, and never stopped caring. This showed what can happen when a community comes together with urgency and compassion.

Thank you to @TorontoPolice, @Shomrimtoronto, and all those who helped make this happen.

[UJA Federation of Greater Toronto @UJAFederation]

Over these difficult days, our community came together with extraordinary care, concern, and determination. We are profoundly grateful to law enforcement, search teams, volunteers, partner organizations, and the countless community members who mobilized, shared information, and supported efforts to bring
Esther home safely.

At this time, our hearts are with Esther and her family as they focus on rest, healing, and privacy. We ask our community to continue holding them in compassion and respect during this sensitive moment.

This experience has been a powerful reminder of the strength of community—and what is possible when people come together in moments of urgency and care.

[CIJA @CIJAinfo]

Jews make up just 1.5% of Winnipeg’s population, yet according to the latest @wpgpolice data, were targeted in nearly 30% of all reported hate crimes and 87% of religion-motivated hate crimes in 2025.

But as our Vice President @GustavoZentner told CBC, statistics alone cannot capture the daily reality facing Winnipeg’s Jewish community.

Protecting community members through enhanced security and holding offenders accountable are essential. But governments and authorities at every level must do far more to confront the extremists threatening not only Jewish Canadians, but also our national security and Canadian way of life.

You can read the full story here:
https://t.co/u6KHQTmgJN

[Le CIJA @CIJAQC]

Joint statement from CIJA and @FederationCJA.

It was crucial that the City finally draw a clear line in the sand. CIJA and Federation CJA note Mayor @SorayaMartinezF's unequivocal condemnation, in which she denounced the antisemitic nature of the macabre hanging of Jewish effigies in our streets.

She intends to consult with the @SPVM to determine “what the limits are regarding intervention.” This discussion should lead to a single logical conclusion: an end to impunity for those who seek to fuel hatred.

The glorification of anti-Jewish hatred in our streets for over two years has gone on long enough. Montrealers expect concrete action, interventions, and swift results.

We would also like to highlight the statements made by other elected officials from the @MTL_Ville, who have strongly condemned these acts.

https://t.co/H5XQyYYsZX

#polqc #polcan #polmtl #assnat

[Gary Anandasangaree @gary_srp]

No one in Canada should be afraid for their safety because of who they are or how they worship.

Through significant investments in the Canada Community Security Program, we’re ensuring that vulnerable communities can receive the tools they need to stay safe.