Loving and Celebrating Israel
We have a lot to be grateful for in 5781 as Canadians, Jews, freedom lovers, and proud Zionists. The pandemic has of course been a huge challenge and afflicted some families terribly, and continues to be a source of concern, even fear for some, and a challenge to all of society and all levels of government, but we are a community of support, care and compassion. We are stronger together and need find good things to celebrate, joy in small things, moments of wonder and beauty.
Photo from Don Valley Brick Works Park, September 29, 2020
This week’s CAEF Bulletin includes stories of those who celebrate the Jewish people and Israel, bringing us loving messages. We also share information on resources to identify and fight antisemitism, and acknowledge the cities that are adopting IHRA.
Israel Rejoicing 2020, 20th Anniversary
Margie Smith, CAEF Steering Committee member pays tribute and thanks the organizers of the annual Israel Rejoicing celebration in Toronto
‘Israel Rejoicing’ has been a spectacular annual ‘end of summer’ celebration for the last 20 years at the enchanting Earl Bales Park outdoor Amphitheater in north Toronto. The Consul Generals of Israel always attend— the newly arriving ones are informed this is going to be the highlight of their year & they are not to miss it!
It is a colourful event of song & dance & joy. Created & produced by Pastor Teck Uy & the Philipino Friends of Jesus Christ Church in Scarborough, its production involves virtually every member, from 4 to 90 years old. They work hand in hand with Donna Holbrook & ICEJ, (International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem)—their mandate is to: ‘Comfort My People Israel‘ & assist in helping Jews make Aliyah.
Many Congregation members go to Yerushalayim every year for Chag Succoth, ( except this covid year). This celebration is what they bring back of the Chag to share with the Toronto Jewish community. Their songs come from the Prophets.
Zechariah foresaw the day: “Sing & rejoice, daughter of Zion, for behold I come & will dwell within you, says Adonai,” (Zechariah 2, v 10&11.)
One highlight is a 6 year old child standing bravely alone on stage, singing, acapela: ‘Yerushalayim of Gold’ in fluent Hebrew (most of us cant do that!). I had tears in my eyes & I wasn't alone.
Over the years the audience asked to see dances from the Philippines. A quick costume change & we now get to delight in some Philipino folk dances as well.
“The Nations will go to Yerushalayim from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts, and to keep the Chag of Succoth, (Zechariah 14 v1). They definitely succeeded in bringing a bit of Zechariah & Yerushalayim & Succoth to us on this day.
Thank you to our Philipino Friends!
An International Hero Expresses Support for Israel
On a regular basis, Col Richard Kemp expresses his unwavering support for Israel, not based on an ideology, religion, or political view, but on his experience with the country and knowledge of the Israel Defense Forces. His is clearly a facts based understanding of Israel and its people and he speaks on many occasions sharing this information. The Pulse of Israel, a video information site produced and commentated by Avi Abelow, issued this new interview with Col Kemp on September 20th, 2020.
The New Antisemites—Are They Really New?
A comprehensive illustrated report exposes how anti-Israel BDS groups are weaponizing leftist rhetoric against Jews. Authored by Zachor Legal Institute and StopAntisemitism.org and endorsed by 63 non-profit organizations, including Combat Antisemitism, B’nai Brith International, The Israel Forever Foundation, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME), Stand with Us, The Lawfare Project, Rabbinical Council of America, Hadassah, A Wider Bridge, Na’amat USA, Middle East Forum, Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET), Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Christians and Jews United for Israel to name a few, this report is required reading.
Read about the rise of anti-Israel hatred, the BDS movement, the revival of blood libels, Muslim antiZionist Jew hatred, and the well-funded network of antiZionist pro-Paletinian organizations. We cannot fight what we do not understand so I urge all Jews and allies to read this report, click here.
Learn how the Working Definition of Antisemitism developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance is a significant tool to combat antisemitism and consider how to support its adoption throughout Canada. Canada is a signatory to the IHRA, the Ontario government is now discussing it in the Justice Committee, and recently several cities have adopted IHRA, with more considering it. and CAEF celebrates the action of both Barrie and Brampton city councils that adopted the IHRA in September. We urge all municipalities and provinces to do likewise, and to enact mechanisms to monitor and enforce IHRA to prevent and alleviate antisemitism. Read more.
Americans for a Safe Israel presented a Must-See Zoom Meeting
Israel's Sovereignty Entitlements Under International Law in Respect to Jerusalem and the Disputed Territories with Dr. Jacques Gauthier
AFSI extended its gratitude to the sponsors who helped make this program possible:
Renanah and Joe Gemeiner
Canadians for Israel's Legal Rights
CAEF - Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation.
