In a previous update, GAJE wrote about the newly-formed Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA). The Alliance is “a coalition of community groups, organizations, and individuals who are concerned about the sharp rise in antisemitic activity in Canada…especially since the attacks of October 7th, 2023.”
One of the driving forces behind the Alliance is renowned criminal lawyer and human rights advocate, Mark Sandler. Sandler wrote the Alliance’s most recent newsletter: October 7 and Beyond: A Canadian Call to Action, in which he urges the members of the coalition, indeed all Canadians to “redouble our efforts to strike decisive blows against hate in Canada.” He therefore renews his call for urgent action against the hatred that strives to insinuate itself into the institutions of our society.
The newsletter is a manifesto as well as a blueprint for community action. One of its key sections deals with education, which Sandler writes, “should take place in a safe environment, free from intimidation, indoctrination and demonization.”
Bullying and intimidation of some Jewish students within public schools are not imaginary. They are well documented, as is the resulting inhospitable environment in those schools for those children. It is because of the inclusion of Education in the ALCCA’s call to action that GAJE brings the newsletter to the attention of our readers.
Sandler writes without any ambiguity.
“Make no mistake about it. The work to be done here [in Education] is not confined to colleges and universities. Toxic environments for Jewish students and others at risk exist in our public and secondary schools. Unprecedented overt antisemitism is perpetrated by teachers, teachers’ unions, and in some instances, school board trustees. (Our emphasis)
“Recent events at Toronto District School Board are illustrative, where students appear to have been conscripted, contrary to the terms of parental consent, to participate in an anti-Israel rally, sometimes dressed to represent colonizers. The Minister of Education appropriately ordered an external investigation, but there is much cause to believe that this event merely represents one of many incidents that undermine the safety and security and sense of belonging of Jewish students and faculty. Regardless of one’s views on diversity, equity and inclusion, a point of division in many circles, Jews cannot be excluded from policies designed to promote inclusion, particularly when they represent the community most victimized by hate crimes and other hate activities.
“This coming year, we need to see greater legal and disciplinary accountability for antisemitism in our education system at all levels. And provincial governments who take steps, alongside allies within the school systems, to ensure that age-inappropriate geopolitical discussions do not take place in classrooms, teachers follow an established curriculum, teachers and unions do not indoctrinate, and students are not conscripted to adopt views on controversial issues.”
GAJE commends ALCCA. The Association’s approach of stalwart resolve and determined action in opposing the purveyors of hatred is exemplary and inspiring.
We too, can act. We too, must act. We must join the fight. Read the newsletter. Subscribe to it.
The most recent ALCCA newsletter is available at:
•••
On September 10, a three-member panel of the Divisional Court agreed with the Province of Ontario that GAJE’s lawsuit for fairness in educational funding should be dismissed. On September 25, GAJE filed a Notice of Motion seeking leave to appeal the court’s decision.
•••
If you wish to contribute to GAJE’s lawsuit for fairness in educational funding, please click here.
For further information, please contact Israel Mida at: imida1818@gmail.com
Charitable receipts for donations for income tax purposes will be issued by Mizrachi Canada. Your donations will be used for the sole purpose of underwriting the costs of the lawsuit.
•••
Shabbat shalom. Gmar Chatimah Tovah. Am Yisrael Chai
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education (GAJE)
October 11, 2024
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education 