Very often in this weekly update, as readers know, GAJE has written forcefully, if not also pleadingly, beseeching the Government of Ontario to end its unfair educational funding policies. We have been critical of Stephen Lecce, the Minister of Education for maintaining a system that no longer hues true to the values of Ontario in 2023.
Today we commend Minister Lecce. We thank him and we praise him.
Last week in the Legislature, during a debate on Motion No. 38 Defence of Israel, Minister Lecce delivered a resolute, ringing, principled statement about the justice of the war Israel is now fighting against Hamas.
Minister Lecce’s remarks deserve wide distribution. They should be studied and discussed in the classroom and in the corridors of government throughout Canada. His speech in the Legislature contains many important lessons. We highlight only three and provide brief excerpts from each.
His description of the true nature of Hamas.
There is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Hamas has dehumanized an entire people and committed a pogrom against defenceless civilians. It also oppresses the Palestinians. This is a struggle of right versus wrong, of good versus evil.
His criticism of the supporters and promoters of Hamas, especially here in Ontario.
The failure or refusal to recognize the Hamas bloodlust validates terror. It demonstrates a lack of moral courage and a shocking indifference to Jewish victimization. There is no justification to the barbarism of Hamas.
His prescription for action by people who care about protecting democracy
We have to learn from humanity’s worst chapters if we wish to avoid them again.
We have to speak with moral decency, with moral courage.
We will not be bystanders. We will use our power for good. We must be on guard for all manners of hate and fight hate and haters.
“Never again” is our collective legacy to the generations to come. For the sake of freedom, human rights and democracy, I ask us all: Do we possess the moral courage to do what is right even if it is not easy? Do we possess the moral courage to stand up to evil?
We are standing for fundamental Canadian values that transcend partisan politics. We must pick the right side of human history.
Again, we thank and praise Minister Lecce for setting the example of moral courage and clarity.
GAJE urges everyone to view Minister Lecce address the Legislature. It can be seen at:
•••
Am Yisrael Chai. The People of Israel Lives and will always.
Shabbat shalom
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education (GAJE)
October 27, 2023
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education 