From Pain to Purpose | CAEF Bulletin, Apr 24, 2026
- CAEF
- Apr 24
- 10 min read
We Memorialized on Yom HaZikaron and Celebrated on Yom HaAtzma’ut
Mizrachi Canada in cooperation with UJA and the Schwartz-Reisman JCC hosted a most memorable event on April 21 that annually brings together two significant landmark Israeli dates. In past years, as we collectively mourned the fallen soldiers, freedom fighters, and defenders of the sovereignty of Israel and its people, we also cried out for release of the hostages and prayed for their return. This year, more Israeli heroes were mourned as we learned of those IDF who have fallen in ongoing clashes with Hezbollah and Hamas, and directly from attacks by Iran, the evil empire. Words alone don’t describe the pain of every family and of the Nation of Israel.
It is the courage, resilience, and renewal that were the featured theme of Awakening the Dawn, this year’s Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma’ut event, attended by about 1000 Jews and allies. A featured display showed the attack on Kfar Aza and stories of survivors were shared. One speaker, Amit Soussna, was a former hostage who spent over 200 days in captivity, but never lost faith. She returned to her family in a hostage for prisoner trade. She fought on for the saving of those who remained in terror tunnels in Gaza.
An IDF commander, Yosef Feuresrstein, originally from Vancouver, told the harrowing and painful story of leading his troop of 13 into a battle in Lebanon from which only 6 returned alive. He described the strength and character of each fallen soldier. His story of survival and fortitude was laced with love and faith in God and the Jewish people.
Videos of other Israelis showed the remarkable strength, the community spirit, and commitment that makes Israel the wonder that it is, the miracle that brought it into formation, and continues to bring it forward.
Other speakers who moved the audience from sadness to celebration included Consul General Idit Shamir, Rabbi Elan Mazer, CEO Mizrachi Canada, and Andrew Levy, CEO of the JCC.
In Toronto, on April 22, members of the Board of CAEF participated in the Israeli flag raising at Toronto City Hall in the early morning. It was a glorious sunny day, only celebrants on the terrace and none of the usual Jew hating mob below on the plaza. Maybe they took the day off, were discouraged away by the police presence, or just not funded to show up and do their usual screech.
Attendees were blessed to hear wonderful, soulful, memorable remarks from sponsors of the event, Councillors James Pasternak and Mike Colle. Executives from major Jewish organizations including Simon Wolle from B’nai Brith, Michael Levitt from the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre, Avi Benlolo from AGPI, and Josh Landau from CIJA, spoke proudly and strongly in acknowledging the significance of the day and the truth about rising antisemitism in Canda and especially in Toronto. All thanked CG Idit Shamir, whom we learned will be returning to Israel in late August, after completing her term in Toronto. Idit Shamir has exemplified the fortitude, compassion and passion of Israel, meeting every request from our community with directness, generosity and personal interest. She spoke with her usual brilliance, making timely remarks about life for Jews in the diaspora and the partnerships we have with true allies; bringing hope for our future.
The flag was raised and waving by 10:00 am.
Listen to Ellin Bessner’s interviews with CAEF President, Mike Teper and Vice President, Avi Attali for CJN, at the flag raising.
Moving on to celebrations of Israel’s Independence and 78th year, some CAEF volunteers made their way with others to Queen’s Park, home of the Ontario provincial legislature. There we were warmly greeted by host, Michelle Cooper, MPP and other members of the provincial government. Lunch was served followed by wonderful addresses by MPP Cooper and others.
Not on everyone’s agenda was a special and unique celebration of Israel’s Independence held by Gina Godfrey at her lovely, intimate and very special gallery where she is currently featuring two remarkable Jewish themed exhibits. Gina, an artist in her own right, is showcasing an unusual exhibit created out of Israeli postage stamps that cover the decades of Israel’s renewal, and tell the story of momentous events in Israel’s history.
The second exhibit on display features famous Jews, icons from various walks of life, memorialized in colourful images that personify some feature of their character.
A very special component of the evening’s program was a presentation by guest, Donna Holbrook, National Executive Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, who shared personal stories with philatelic content, followed by a wonderful slide presentation showcasing the work of ICEJ in serving Israel, fighting antisemitism and demonstrating what true allyship and friendship with the Jewish community looks like. David Matlow, whose personal collection of Israeli stamps generated the idea for one of the artist's work, presented Donna with framed first edition stamps marking special moments in Israeli history.
Miriam Perl, Manager of Community Relations for the Israel Consulate, spoke with heartfelt words about our relationship with Israel, allies, and each other.
The poster below highlights the evening event and invites everyone to visit the Gina Godfrey Gallery and see the exhibits.
Legal Update
1. New Serious Charges Laid in a November 2025 attack on Students Supporting Israel Event
In November 2025, Toronto Police laid charges against six individuals in connection with an attack on an off-campus event sponsored by Students Supporting Israel featuring IDF reservist Jonathan Karten.
Media coverage of the attack is below:
Court records obtained by CAEF reveal that on April 17, 2026, several new serious charges have been laid
Fatimah MUGNI and Nicole BAITON stand charged with public incitement of hatred against members of an identifiable group (i.e., people from Israel), while MUGNI and BAITON, along with Qabil IBRAHIM and Kian ALEXIS also stand charged with participation in a riot while masked.
These charges unique in several ways:
This is the first time we are aware that since October 7, 2023 that public incitement of hatred charges in Toronto have been laid regarding "people from Israel" as an identifiable group, instead of Jewish people.
This is the first time we are aware that since October 7, 2023, charges have been laid in Ontario for participating in a riot while masked, in connection with anti-Israel demonstrations.
The escalation of these charges is welcome news for Ontario's Jewish and expatriate Israeli communities.
Special thanks to the staff of the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism for preparation of the chart below.
For more details on these expanded charges, please read the article linked below from Mark Sandler, Chair of the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism.
2. Mikhail BYKOV pleads guilty to one count of willful promotion of hatred
In October 2024, Mikhail BYKOV and Seyed VORUDI were each charged with one count of willful promotion of hatred against an identifiable group in connection with flyers circulated by the two defendants in the neighbourhood of Davenport Road and Dupont Street in mid-town Toronto.
On April 16, 2026, BYKOV entered a plea of guilty to the charge. Seyed VORUDI continues to dispute the charge.
The sentencing hearing for BYKOV is scheduled for July 24, 2026. CAEF will present a Community Impact Statement at the hearing.
New Provincial MPP Starts Strong---Fighting Hate Crimes
Michelle Cooper, MPP for Eglinton Lawrence in Ontario, introduced a Private Member's Motion which calls for the creation of a specialized Hate Crime Prosecution Unit in Ontario — an important step toward strengthening how these cases are handled across the province. Michelle relayed to Andria Spindel, CAEF, and Cortney Radomski, JEFA, how she gathered information that led to this Bill, addressing requests from community, police and other politicians who saw the gap in getting hate crimes prosecuted.
With Motion 58 now passed, the Legislature has formally called for the creation of a dedicated hate crime Crown prosecution unit, with specialized prosecutors across Ontario's six regions. This will strengthen coordination with police and support more consistent, effective prosecution of hate crimes.
Watch the 12-minute video of the presentation by Michelle Cooper, MPP in the House.
Watch the full video here which includes comments and support from members of the government, opposition and third party.
Birthday
by Seymour Mayne, Canadian poet, professor, friendfor Shulamit Nardi
Fallen in the Jewish Wars
a young man who will never age
shares the same prayerful eyes
of ancestors and our common birth
this day of May—spring's point of no return.
Son and brother still he lies
beneath shrubs and lettered stone.
Though unknown to me his name
is on his father's lips,
his face before his mother.
Today, our day, celebrating
my right hand has not forgotten
the cunning promise of script.
Translation into the Hebrew by Moshe Dor
Recommended Viewing
Watch this Macdonald Laurier Institute program with moderator Casey Babb, Director of the Promised Land Project, interviewing journalist, author and activist, Melanie Phillips, about how the West can't seem to understand Islam.
Watch interview by Israel Ellis of Virginia Gamba, who is a contender for UN General Secretary position, and has a reasonable understanding of the Middle East conflict and supports Israel's right to defend itself.
Toronto Police Officer Releases Book on Antisemitic Bias in TPS
Former homicide detective with 34 years experience in the Toronto Police Services, Hank Idsinga, released book describing a culture of antisemitism and racism in the force. His book, The High Road: Confessions of a Homicide Cop, was released earlier this week, and has caused shock to some, affirmation in others..
Councillor Pasternak Launched a Petition
Essentially Enough is Enough! It is time that the city police stopped the weekly anti-Israel protest which is harassing the Jewish neighborhood around Bathurst St and Sheppard Ave. Recently it's been noteworthy that the protesters stand with the Iranian regime, flying the Islamist's flag, while across the street, standing with the Jews, are Iranians flying the traditional lion and sun flag. One can then assume the protesters support suppression of freedom, inequality of women, murder of gays, destruction of Israel and Western liberal democracies.
It really is time to send them packing.
Read the comments by Councillor James Pasternak and Sign the petition.
Recommended Reading
Read article in ALCCA News on legislation proposed to add wilful promotion of terrorism as a criminal offense.
Read article by Adam Louis Klein on the Moral Inversion that is Antizionism with data from the National Contagion Research Institute, April 21, 2026.
Read post on X by Asem Aljuraid, Middle East journalist and analyst, who urges all Arab countries to make peace with Israel, April 21, 2026.
Read blog by Joanne Cohen in the Times of Israel on CBC's leftist media bias, an unCanadian perspective, April 24, 2026.
Read article by Ari David Blaff, National Post, about the Jewish student who is suing Toronto Metropolitan University for its inaction on antisemitism that has affected Jewish students for several years, April 24, 2026.
Read article by Tristin Hopper in National Post about the Senate Report on Antisemitism which neglects to mention Islamic antisemitism, April 24, 2026.
Read the Senate Report, Standing United Against Antisemitism.
Read article by Andrew Fox in his Substack, on why we should be angry and getting angrier, while antisemitism grows and is tolerated throughout the West, April 19, 2026.
Read article by Yama Barkaee in her Substack, on the Palestinian myths, the lies that the West has swallowed and endorsed, and how this choice between Israel and Palestine is damaging civilization, April 19, 2026.
Read article by Ariel Bulshtein in Israel Hayom about a Muslim woman's experience in Brussels where Islamists dominate in various neighborhoods and freedom is now threatened, July 11, 2025.
Read Blue Square Alliance Report, Online Antisemitism During Wartime: Operation Epic Fury.
See image posted by Melodie Greyeyes and Linda Price's explanation:
Petroglyph’s on the land of the Wanapum Native Americans. Do you see what’s in the bottom left corner? Yes. It’s a 7 branch menorah. I always tell people, the First Nations people of the land have close ties to the First of the First Nations… the Jewish people of Israel. We stand as one with our Jewish counterparts.
A Jewish First
Did you know that the current Commander of the International Space Station is a Jewish woman? A first for NASA.
Dr. Jessica Meir was selected by NASA in 2013 to join their astronaut corps. She was selected to be one of the crew for the Artemis, "First Woman" Mission to the Moon. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Brown University, a Master of Science in Space Studies from the International Space University, and a Doctorate in Marine Science from Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Prior to becoming a NASA astronaut, Dr. Meir worked for Lockheed Martin's Human Research Facility, supporting human physiology research in both underwater environments, and in space.
She launched on Feb 26 as commander of the Space X Crew-12 Mission. In July, Dr. Meir will be the first Jewish Commander of the International Space Station. She will continue her mission through August 2026. She identifies herself as strongly culturally Jewish, and she attended synagogue regularly while growing up. She had a bat mitzvah and has visited Israel; the first time as a teenager with her parents and in 2016 as an astronaut. She presented international space lectures at the University of Haifa. When first deployed to the International Space Station, Jessica was informed that astronauts were allowed to bring only a specific number of personal items with them. Two of the personal items which she brought with her to the Space Station were an Israeli flag, socks and a vest with the Star of David.
Dr. Meir is a first generation American woman, born to immigrant parents of Sephardic Jewish, Israeli and Swedish nationality. Her father, Josef Meir, was an Iraqi Jew, whose family left Iraq in 1931 to flee antisemitism and went to the British Mandate Palestine (pre-establishment of Israel). He studied medicine in Beirut at American University and in 1948 returned to Israel where he served as an ambulance driver during the War of Independence. Josef later went on to medical school in Sweden, then moved to the United States where he accepted residency at Johns Hopkins.
All eyes will be on this talented Jewish astronaut as she completes her mission over the Summer.
Community Events
Voices Unbroken: The Power of Women
In honor of #EndJewHatred Day, MAST presents: Nachum Kaplan DISCUSSING CHINA, ISRAEL, & ANTISEMITISM
APRIL 26, 2026 ZOOM 8 PM EST
Monday, April 27 @ 7:00 p.m. – Beth Torah Synagogue will host a Jewish Community Security Briefing with representation from all levels of government and the Jewish Security Network. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Questions should be submitted in advance to rabbi@bethtorah.ca.
DON’T Miss … Live in Toronto
Sahar TV and Talia Yosef onstage to share their dynamic approach to misinformation, antizionist rhetoric, and attacks on the Jewish community. Learn how to express your perspective with confidence and strength.
We invite you to our May-June lecture series exploring Chinese–Jewish connections, sacred texts, and contemporary identity, featuring leading voices and bringing two ancient peoples into conversation, reflection, and shared discovery.
These lectures are made possible through an endowment in memory of Murray Poizner (Meyer ben Yisroel) by Annette Poizner, MSW, Ed.D.
SCHOLARS CIRCLE PRESENTS ANTIZIONISM: The History of an Ideology A Special Six-Part Series
Brigitte Gabriel - The peaceful majority were irrelevant
World Symposium Against Antzionism
In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month MAST Presents: Joe Alterman discussing and playing Jewish Contributions to American Music
WED, MAY 20 ZOOM 8 PM EST
LIVE TORONTO EVENT: What the Media Gets Wrong about Israel and What to Do About It! - May 27, 2026
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