November 17, 2024

Featured Content

A Vigil for Hate: Is Honouring a Terrorist Leader Now Normalized Behaviour?

A vigil planned at Mississauga City Hall to honour Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas and architect of the October 7 massacre, has sparked widespread outrage among Canadians.

 

A gathering to celebrate Sinwar’s martyrdom is an endorsement of what he said and what he did. It can only be regarded as criminal hate speech, says Mark Sandler, ALCCA's Chair.

 

Read the full commentary on our website. 

Read the Article

Watch: Mark Sandler joins Congregation Darchei Noam to discuss Combatting Antisemitism and Respectful Dialogue

In a conversation with Congregation Darchei Noam, Mark Sandler, Chair of ALCCA, highlighted the essential role of respectful dialogue in combatting antisemitism, discussing initiatives like ALCCA's interfaith partnerships and the planned cross-Canada conferences fostering civil discourse. 

 

Mark also shared perspectives on the increasing intolerance on university campuses and the challenges facing Jewish students in expressing their identities. 

 

Watch the discussion on our website. 

Watch the Video

ALCCA Updates

New Member Welcome

We're excited to welcome Shaarei-Beth El Congregation as the newest member of the Alliance!

 

ALCCA continues to expand its reach and impact, now uniting 47 diverse member organizations from across Canada, some with international presence as well.

ALCCA Chair Featured in National Magazine: Fighting a Tide of Hate

The Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA) was recently spotlighted in the Canadian Bar Association’s National Magazine, with a feature on its Chair, Mark Sandler.

 

The article highlights ALCCA's critical work in uniting diverse groups to address the alarming rise in antisemitism across Canada.

 

Through education, dialogue, and collaborative initiatives, the Alliance is creating a platform for informed and respectful discussions to combat hate. Sandler’s lifelong commitment to justice and equality has been instrumental in shaping ALCCA’s mission and expanding its reach.

 

Read the full article.

Read the Article

Watch: Rally for Humanity,

A Call to Stand United Against Hate

The Rally for Humanity in Toronto was more than just a gathering; it was a resolute call to action - to take a stand against hate head-on, to end Jew hatred, to commit to Canadian democratic social values, and to restore respect and safety across our country.

 

At the rally, Janice LaForme, representing the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA) and speaking on behalf of her spouse, Harry LaForme Anishnaabe and proud member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, delivered powerful remarks.

 

She connected the historic and ongoing struggles of Indigenous people with today’s fight against hate and antisemitism, urging us all to honour our shared values and the values embodied in the Seven Sacred Teachings.

 

Watch the video on our website.

Watch the Video

Explore Our New FAQ Page:

Everything You Need to Know

In case you missed it: our new FAQ page is live!

 

Get detailed answers about ALCCA’s mission, our initiatives across Canada, and how to get involved. 

 

Whether you're supporting our mission individually or considering membership as an organization, the FAQs cover it all.

Read the FAQs

Honouring Former Justice Harry LaForme:

Spirit of Hope Gala

Last week, more than 1,500 community members and allies gathered in solidarity against surging antisemitism at the annual Spirit of Hope marquee event hosted by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) in Toronto. Among the evening’s highlights was a special ceremony honouring eight extraordinary allies, including ALCCA’s Honorary Chair, Former Justice Harry LaForme. 

 

Former Justice LaForme has shown remarkable courage in standing with the Jewish community against anti-Jewish hate and violence, especially throughout the challenges of this past year.

 

ALCCA is deeply grateful to Justice LaForme for his steadfast support and to all those who took the stage and joined in this inspiring event, celebrating the strength of allyship in the face of rising antisemitism across Canada and beyond. 

Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Irwin Cotler in Montreal

On November 3, Tel Aviv University honored the life and legacy of the Honourable Irwin Cotler, a global icon for human rights, justice, and the fight against antisemitism and racism. 

 

As part of the ceremony, ALCCA's Honorary Chair, Former Justice Harry LaForme participated on a panel about their personal connections to Cotler and during the gala gifted him with an Eagle Feather and a specially crafted feather blanket to safeguard it in.

 

An Eagle Feather was awarded to Cotler in recognition of his outstanding deeds and because he exemplifies the values associated with the Eagle. The Eagle Feather is a powerful symbol signifying a connection with the Creator and will help Cotler with his ongoing life’s work.

 

Wrapped in a blue feather blanket, symbolizing trust, loyalty, and spiritual insight, the gift serves as a reminder of Cotler’s dedication to human rights and his ongoing legacy. Irwin Cotler remains a quintessential Canadian advocate, inspiring on the world stage.

Voices of the Community

To Counter Antisemitism, Canadians Must First Be Able to Recognize It

In a Globe and Mail article this week, Deborah Lyons, Irwin Cotler, and Noah Lew emphasize the importance of recognizing antisemitism as the first step toward countering it.

 

They highlight the newly released Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as a crucial tool for Canadians across sectors to identify and address this growing threat.

 

The authors call on Canadians to stand against antisemitism, noting that it endangers not only the Jewish community but also the core values of Canadian society.

Read the Article

You can read ALCCA's own 'call to action' for the IHRA Handbook on our website.

 

Events by Alliance Members

Antisemitism & The Law: A Symposium For Law Students & Legal Professionals

Date: Wednesday, November 20, 7:00pm

Location: Downtown Toronto (Sent to attendees upon registration)

 

On November 20th, Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) is proud to bring you “Antisemitism & The Law: A Symposium For Law Students & Legal Professionals”.
 

This symposium will feature a panel of three seasoned legal experts who are extremely passionate about Advocacy: Arsen Ostrovsky, Michael Osborne, and Leora Shemesh.

 

They will provide useful tips for law students and lawyers on how to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel lawfare.
 

Whether you are a law student, aspiring lawyer, or experienced legal professional, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Learn More and Register

United We Stand:

An Evening with Yoseph Haddad

Date: Thursday, December 5, 7:30pm

Location: Toronto (Sent to attendees upon registration)

 

Join us for "United We Stand: An Evening with Yoseph Haddad" in Toronto on December 5, 2024, to support a powerful call for unity, respectful dialogue, and shared commitment to peaceful co-existence.

 

Through his organization, Together Vouch for Each Other, Haddad works tirelessly to bridge understanding between Arab-Israeli communities and broader Israeli society, fostering equality and respect across diverse groups.

 

This event also supports Allied Voices for Israel’s mission to unite Jewish and non-Jewish students against hatred and antisemitism across Canadian campuses.  

Learn More and Register

Did You Receive This Email From A Friend?

If you were forwarded this email from a friend, and you would like to be added to our mailing list, you can sign up on our website below:

Sign up for this newsletter

Visit our social accounts

Visit our website