May 21, 2021

After more than 11 days of terror, Hamas has finally agreed to stop launching rockets at Israeli civilians. With this news, we are relieved for our brothers and sisters in Israel and we hope that as the conflict subsides, so too will the rise in antisemitic incidents we have seen across our community during this harrowing time.

We are writing to you today because we know that you have safety concerns for our community, your neighbourhood, your home, your synagogue, and your children's schools. Unfortunately, this past week, antisemitic reactions to the conflict in Israel and Gaza have shown up in our own backyards. At a time when we know so many of you are feeling vulnerable and very concerned, we want to reassure you that the safety of our community and the personal security of all members is paramount.

Our Director of Security, Jacques Bisson, is in constant contact with the Montreal Police and other authorities, including municipal security departments, to help ensure the best possible protection of our community from this wave of hatred. They are reassuring us that they do not believe that there is an imminent threat to the Jewish community.

We have been extremely thankful to the leadership of David Zarfati and the many dedicated Community Security Network volunteers who have been acting as the eyes and ears throughout our community.  While you may not know who they are, they have been there looking out for us.

Remaining calm and cautious, but vigilant is key. Do not take matters into your own hands or put yourself in danger. Let the police do their job. Please continue to respect the curfew that remains in effect until May 28. That being said, every one of us can take meaningful action in response to the antisemitism we have seen over the past week.

Here are some actions you can take:

1. If you see something, say something. If you are harassed, or witness harassment, call the police immediately. If it is safe to do so, photograph the anti-Israel activists who are perpetrating the harassment, and share those images with police. Relay that information by calling the Federation CJA Community Security Hotline at 514-343-4343.
2. Follow Federation CJA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we regularly share news and information. Follow CIJA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where they regularly share news and information.
3. Visit www.cija.ca/israelunderfire where you will find information about what is happening in Israel, points to consider, and content you can share on social media. Use care in sharing material on social media. If you are unsure of the source or accuracy, consider if passing the information along helps or hinders the situation.
4. Contact your local media. You can use the resources pertaining to the conflict in Israel found here.

We will do everything in our power to ensure that every member of our community can confidently live their lives safely.

We will continue to provide you with the most up-to-date, reliable information concerning events as they unfold. Please check back frequently on our social media channels for updates as the situation is changing rapidly.

Wishing you and our extended family in Israel a Shabbat of peace, rest, and family.

Shabbat Shalom.

Yair Szlak
Chief Executive Officer
Federation CJA