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March 1, 2024
At a recent Simcha, I found myself in a profound conversation with a friend about the alarming increase in antisemitism we're facing in the aftermath of October 7th. While those of us immersed in my line of work will tell you that antisemitism was on the rise before October 7th, there is no question about the spike in Jewish hate that we have witnessed worldwide.
My friend, who grew up in Russia, immigrated to Israel in his twenties and then moved to Canada, shared insights that, though difficult for me to accept, paint a vivid picture of our stark reality. His story, marked by an upbringing in Russia where antisemitism was not just a personal threat but an institutionalized state and systemic issue under communism, brings a unique perspective. He expressed mild surprise at the recent surge in antisemitism, recounting how, for the first two decades of his life, the spectre of Jewish hate was an ever-present reality. For him, leaving Russia was a reprieve from antisemitism, and after a 20-plus year break, it was now back in his life—different—but really the same.
What we have witnessed since October 7th is that the world’s oldest hate hasn’t disappeared. Jews living in Europe have known this for decades. Our story in North America has been different, as Jews have been accepted and ingrained as part of society, culture, business, government and all other aspects of life. And yet, for some reason, the worst attack on Jewish life since the Holocaust has sparked a flame of Jewish hatred that few of us can understand.
How can it be that in 2023, in North America, calling for the “genocide of Jews” on university campuses may or may not violate university rules, “depending on the context”? How are the streets of Montreal filled with weekly and sometimes daily demonstrations calling for a global intifada without any actions from authorities? How can McGill University allow the Bronfman Building to be blockaded for a full day of learning by an anti-Israel group which included inciters from a movement that has ties to a terrorist organization?
The fact is that we are facing a new reality.
While our mailboxes are flooded with messages from community members, angry and seeking answers and actions against this unacceptable reality, something equally significant and somewhat sad is unfolding. Our community is building a resilience and strength which Jews in Europe have been forging for years. Faced with calls for our annihilation—a terror tactic employed by masked cowards—resilient members of our Jewish community are standing up for what is just and right. The weekly “run for hostages” rallies stand in stark contrast to the constant anti-Israel demonstrations that call for the death of Jews and the end of the Jewish State. We have seen lawyers, doctors, and University/CEGEP faculty rallying together, forming associations dedicated to fighting antisemitism throughout the city. Federation CJA and our partners at CIJA are conveners for these associations, empowering them and supporting them in their crucial efforts to combat this new reality.
We are exceptionally inspired by our CEGEP and university students, who are at the forefront of combatting antisemitism on campuses. These students are nothing short of superheroes, representing a generation many didn’t believe would rise to the occasion when called upon. We have seen this generation in Israel fight with unimaginable bravery against Hamas, and we are seeing this generation here in Montreal lead out on our fight against Jewish hate.
Federation CJA continues to support our community through these challenging times. We are proactive every day, often in ways that might not be immediately visible. Each day, Federation CJA is building resilience within the community, advocating for the rights of Jews locally and in Canada alongside our partners at CIJA; strengthening and empowering our Community Security Network volunteers through training; supporting students and faculty on CEGEP and university campuses; and combatting antisemitism every time it rears its ugly head.
Now more than ever, an investment in Federation CJA represents an investment in the security and resilience of our Jewish community in Montreal, across Canada, and in Israel.
Eyal Golan’s latest version of Am Yisrael Chai speaks of this generation and their bravery in the face of our new reality. כי עם הנצח לעולם לא מפחד – “because the eternal people never fear” – echo the resilience and bravery witnessed today, 140 days following the tragic loss of over 1,200 Israelis and while 134 hostages remain in the clutches of Hamas. Together, we are a people defined not by those who hate us and seek out destruction but by our beliefs and just cause. We will defeat the darkness and bring light onto the world.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Yair Szlak, LL.B
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Federation CJA
