May 26, 2021

The last two weeks have been very difficult for our Jewish community. We have witnessed hateful messages, antisemitism, and violence targeting our community online and in our neighbourhoods—behaviours that are unacceptable and unforgiveable.

Federation CJA has worked with the SPVM and authorities to ensure measures were taken to ensure the safety of our community.  Our advocacy arm, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has worked to raise awareness, secure support, and fight against this rising tide of antisemitism.

Over the course of the past two weeks a growing number of politicians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, MPs Anthony Housefather and Rachel Bendayan, Quebec's minister for combating racism Benoit Charette, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, and Opposition Leader Lionel Perez, have responded to our call and denounced the recent wave of attacks against our community for what it is: antisemitism. Influencers, journalists, friends, and fellow Quebecers of good conscience have stood up to condemn the recent surge of antisemitism.

Today, the National Assembly voted unanimously to adopt a joint motion co-sponsored by Minister Charette and MNAs David Birnbaum,Méganne Perry Mélançon, Andrés Fontecilla, Guy Ouellette, Catherine Fournier, and Harold LeBel condemning the antisemitic incidents targeting our community. This unanimous condemnation is unprecedented and sends a strong message that antisemitism has no place in Quebec society.

Federation CJA and CIJA will continue to work and press for action on antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head.

In the meantime, it is important to acknowledge that our elected officials have recognized the seriousness of the threats that we continue to face on a daily basis.

Sincerely,