Shavuot’s Call: Moral Clarity in the Face of Hate

Shavuot marks the revelation at Mount Sinai—when the Ten Commandments were given and the foundation of the Torah was established, defining Jewish identity for over 3,300 years.

It is a time to reflect on the values central to the Jewish people: justice, compassion, responsibility, and truth. These values are not only timeless—they are urgently relevant in today’s climate.

At ALCCA, our work to combat antisemitism is rooted in these same values. The commandments’ moral clarity and call to stand up against wrongdoing guide our response to hate, our defence of human dignity, and our efforts to build bridges across communities.

In a world where antisemitism is too often minimized or dismissed, Shavuot reminds us that Jewish resilience is anchored in wisdom, not just survival. The Ten Commandments still speak to a vision of justice that demands action.

As we honour this sacred time, we recommit ourselves to building a society where truth triumphs over distortion, and where hate—in all its forms—is met with courage and clarity.

Chag Shavuot Sameach from all of us at ALCCA. May this holiday inspire reflection, solidarity, and strength.

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About the Author

Mark Sandler, LL.B., LL.D. (honoris causa), ALCCA’s Chair, is widely recognized as one of Canada’s leading criminal lawyers and pro bono advocates. He has been involved in combatting antisemitism for over 40 years. He has lectured extensively on legal remedies to combat hate and has promoted respectful Muslim-Jewish, Sikh-Jewish and Black-Jewish dialogues. He has appeared before Parliamentary committees and in the Supreme Court of Canada on multiple occasions on issues relating to antisemitism and hate activities. He is a former member of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, a three-time elected Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario, and recipient of the criminal profession’s highest honour, the G. Arthur Martin Medal, for his contributions to the administration of criminal justice.