Montreal – May 30, 2024 – The Montreal Academic Network Against Antisemitism (MANAA) has been officially launched with the support of Federation CJA, in partnership with the Bronfman Jewish Education Centre (BJEC). MANAA is comprised of over 60 Jewish faculty and staff members across CEGEPS and universities in Montreal and aims to combat misinformation and anti-Jewish hate through outreach and education as well as provide social support and mentorship to Jewish members of academic institutions. “It is uncomfortable to be a Jewish student, staff or faculty member on campus right now,” said Dr. Ada L. Sinacore, the Chair of the Steering Committee / Coordinator of MANAA and one of its founders. “You can feel it in the air. In classes, there is always the fear that something will come up, and students and faculty have to consider more than they ever did before what to think and say. People are very fearful, and they have reason to be.” “Federation CJA is pleased to lend its support in establishing this new and important network,” said Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA. “This network will not only play a critical role in the fight against hate and antisemitism but also help ensure Jewish students and faculty feel validated, supported and safe in their respective CEGEPs and universities.” Sinacore and committee leaders are organizing workgroups designed to address various aspects of the network’s mission: An Education workgroup is compiling materials for Jewish and non-Jewish students and faculty alike outlining critical information about Israel. The Advocacy & Outreach group has been busy writing letters and responding to antisemitic incidents arising on campuses. Meanwhile, the Mentorship & Support workgroup is engaging staff and faculty to serve as mentors for CEGEP and university students in need of reassurance or guidance during these challenging times. A Mental Health workgroup is also currently being developed. “We are a concerned and caring group of individuals who are coming together to provide support during these untenable times. The concerns are palpable and growing, thus, we felt it essential to come together and take collective action against the growing antisemitism on campus”, said Dr. Karen Gazith, Director of BJEC and one of the founders of MANAA. Established in early 2024, the network has been actively setting up its working groups and building its base of support. With the level of antisemitism continuing to increase on Montreal campuses the importance of starting this network has become evident and with the academic calendar winding down the members have been able to focus on their areas of concentration. Jewish faculty and staff members at Quebec CEGEPs and universities interested in joining MANAA are invited to sign up by filling out the form below: https://forms.gle/LNYrnFQwtNuCVSte8
About Federation CJA
For over one hundred years, Federation CJA has been at the heart of the organized Jewish community in Montreal. In partnership with a vast network of agencies and organizations locally, nationally, and internationally, Federation CJA builds and sustains this community by providing leadership and by supporting the delivery of services and programs to care for the vulnerable and those in need, to ensure a bright Jewish future, to represent communal interests, and to positively affect issues in the wider society.
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