Standing with Israel | CAEF Bulletin, June 27, 2025

CAEF
Jun 27
12 min read

Israel is Saving the world again. It must be tuesday

Read viral message from Imam Hassen Chalghoumi, imam of the municipality of Drancy Mosque in Seine-Sant-Denis, France, as reported in Aish.com. Copy and share.

June 17, 2025

Imam Hassen Chalghoumi of Drancy, near Paris, is astonished by what Israel is currently doing in Iran.

He writes… I, a son of Ishmael, an imam, a Muslim, a man of peace, hereby present my sincere testimony about this extraordinary people:

I must admit, I believe in religions and miracles. But there is something about this people — the people of Israel — that feels like a living miracle.

A people the Pharaohs tried to erase 3,000 years ago… and failed.

A people the Babylonians tried to annihilate 2,500 years ago… and failed.

A people the Romans tried to wipe out 2,000 years ago… and failed.

A people the Nazis tried to exterminate 80 years ago… and failed to erase.

A people the Arabs fought in five wars to wipe off the map… and failed.

This is a small nation in number, but with a unique strength — a divine blessing.

Wherever it lays its hand, it succeeds…in finance, commerce, science, philosophy, literature…

A desert land turned into a paradise, without oil or gas, but with liberty, democracy, intelligence, and determination.

This is a people who gave the world Einstein, Newton, Kafka, Karl Marx, Nietzsche, Spinoza, Freud… and many others who left a mark on humanity.

There are realities that neither reason nor logic can explain. There is only one word for it: miracle.

For two-and-a-half years now, this people has been fighting on five fronts. They said it was tired, that it was about to collapse… and yet, it surprises the world by opening a new front against the Iranian enemy — one that frightens even Arab regimes.

This people, though small in number, possesses the courage of nobles, the wisdom of prophets, the patience of the righteous, and the determination of survivors. How could it be otherwise, when it is known they are the descendants of Abraham, Solomon, David, Moses, Jacob, Joseph… and 1,523 prophets and emissaries from their lineage?

This is a people who brought monotheism and faith in one God to the world. A people driven by a thirst for life, for work, for innovation, and for continuity — a drive that has lasted more than 4,000 years.

Truly, I find no other word to describe them but: a nation of miracles.

If the Arabs had clear vision, they would choose to unite with this people, to learn from them, to cooperate with them… perhaps they would absorb some of their knowledge, wisdom, and dignity.

Hassen Chalghoumi, Imam

Allies and Interfaith

by Anita Bromberg, Co-Chair, CAEF

In the past two weeks I was privileged to participate in two interfaith events. The first was held in Winnipeg at the Human Rights Museum June 15 - June 17. Our Whole Society is put on every two years by the Canadian Interfaith Conversations. Some 150 faith based leaders of various traditions gathered to discuss how to build hope at this difficult and fractious period of time we find ourselves in. Keynote speakers including the Honorable Lloyd Axworthy and internationally acclaimed human rights lawyer Payam Akhavan emphasized the urgent need for society to look at bold new ways to come together to rebuild with a clarion vision.

This week I was invited by Father Andrew Bennet of Cardus to join a new and bold project called the Simeon Initiative. It is designed to bring Christian and Jewish clergy together in conversation and ongoing dialogue. For two days talks focused on better understanding each faith communities’ perspectives and the common imperatives that must unite us. At CAEF we have long recognized that education and conversations with allied communities sharing common interests was the way for forward — as such both these ongoing initiatives are most welcome and indeed vital.

Antisemitism in the Field of Mental Health and Helping Professions

On June 25th, CAEF was part of a consortium with health service organizations in sponsoring a webinar to launch the book, Social Work and Antisemitism, Issues and Interventions, by Carole B. Cox and Dana B. Marlowe. Over 100 people attended the presentation and discussion with the authors whose work brings to light the serious deterioration in the field of social work education which while delving into the historic and current oppression of many marginalized groups, fails entirely to consider discrimination against Jews and the entire history of antisemitism. Today’s Jew hatred gets a pass in the curricula across North America and the associations responsible for content that supports the values of the profession, notably CASWE-ACFTS, have until now ignored calls to address antisemitism. The discussion revealed that there is bias in professional conference content, in publications and in the classroom. Of course, as important is bias in the practice, and it has been revealed that there are social work practitioners who literally advertise they won’t accept Zionist clients. One might ask, how does a Jew access objective, professional help knowing of the seemingly inherent bias, and sometimes downright hatred held by some in the profession?

An article in Aish.com by Yehudis Litvak, June 15th, reports “antisemitism in the entire field of mental health and is cause for alarm. The article states the issue as “antisemitism is an industry-wide issue that grew exponentially after October 7th.”

Through its Hineni, Reaching out to Jews in Social Work, Project, CAEF has published research on the experience of Jewish students in Canadian social work programs, organized a Facebook group and supported individuals who have experienced discrimination in the classroom or discomfort dealing with content taught that describes Israel as an oppressor state. To join the group go to Hineni, Jews in Social Work. If not a Social Worker, then explain your interest to gain admission.

False Flags and Real Agendas, “Settle Violence”- a Modern Blood Libel

An oft-repeated lie about Israel that contributes to leftist antisemitism, is that Jews are colonialists, that Israel is both an occupier of Palestinian lands, has committed ethnic cleansing and that “settlers” ie Jews living in Judea and Samaria, are violent. This has extended to various Western governments, actually putting individual residents of Jewish communities on their terrorist list. Canada is complicit in this abomination.

Read report by Regavim, the public movement dedicated to protecting Israel’s national lands and resources on the false claims of “settler violence.” The ‘Settler Violence’ narrative is a Weapon in the Battle to Delegitimize the Jewish Presence in Judea and Samaria and the State of Israel.

Do Unions Serve their Membership or Serve to Spread Hatred?

CUPE 3903 has lost its way and alienated its Jewish membership, lost its credibility and ought to lose its accreditation. Read report that circulated on social media describing CUPE 3903’s antisemitic behaviour.

For 20 months, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has been on the wrong side of history—and the wrong side of humanity.

They stood with Hamas, an Iranian Regime terror proxy, after October 7, the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, celebrating the slaughter of civilians at a time when the bodies of raped women were still warm. Now, they’ve chosen to stand with another terror regime—the Islamic Republic of Iran, whose ruling clerics imprison, torture, and execute women for the crime of wanting freedom.

On October 8, 2023, just one day after Hamas terrorists raped, burned, and murdered over 1,200 Israelis—CUPE Local 3903 released a statement praising the massacre. While the world recoiled in horror, CUPE rationalized terror. Their commitment to anti-Israel dogma outweighed any concern for women’s bodies desecrated, for children beheaded, or for peace.

Now, almost a year later, CUPE is aligning itself again with a regime that rapes, tortures, and kills women—this time, Iran’s theocratic dictatorship. On Sunday, June 22, CUPE participated in a protest titled “Hands Off Iran”—an event organized in partnership with the Palestinian Youth Movement, a group with direct links to the PFLP, a designated terrorist organization.

Let’s be clear: the Iranian people are not calling for Canada to support their dictators. They are begging the world to help them get free from them. Iranian women are burning their hijabs in protest and teenage girls like Nika Shahkarami and Mahsa Amini were killed by the regime CUPE now defends. They are being tortured for dancing, for showing their hair, for wanting to live freely. But CUPE doesn’t stand with them. It stands with the men who jail them, rape them, and kill them.

Why? Because CUPE’s moral compass is no longer broken—it’s reversed. This isn’t about human rights. This is about one thing: hatred of Israel. CUPE’s leadership would rather back the Ayatollah’s brutal regime than admit that the Middle East’s only democracy has the right to defend itself.

Canadians need wake up to the abuse experienced by union members whose dues are being used to harm an ally, defend an anti-democratic theocratic regime whose tentacles reach across the globe.

Pro-Palestinian Comraderie, Including Jewish NGOs

Masha Kleiner, an activist in BC has produced a great deal of research showing linkages across pro-Palestinian organizations and their leaders. In this video, Kleiner who publishes a blog under the title, Canadian Zionist’s Chronicles, reveals the connection between various anti-Israel organizations and their common funders, including the New Israel Fund, which opposed the adoption of IHRA. Some argue that sharing a funder, does not imply the sharing of ideology. This video will put that argument to rest.

Letters to the Future: A Jewish Legacy

The 60+ people who attended this evening program sponsored by CAEF and Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Toronto were present for delicious treats—readings of poems and memoirs by local talent about how the events of and since October 7th, 2023 affected individuals personally. Readings by Ruth Abrams, Marsha Barber, Sylvia Charles, Dahlia Rusinek, Marylnne Weinrib, and Sharon Zohar were extremely poignant. The moderator Rivka Campbell, Executive Director of Beth Tikvah welcomed attendees with heartfelt enthusiasm for this project that has fostered a community of creative people.

Joan O’Callaghan offered a workshop on journaling to encourage everyone to write up their own experiences and feelings and consider adding to the trove of material that will be donated to the Ontario Jewish Archivers. Andria Spindel, Executive Director of CAEF, wrapped up the evening but acknowledging all the contributions and noting: “leaving a legacy is making an enduring impact or contribution to benefit the future and may be of wealth, knowledge, values or positive influence.” From the evening’s program, one could feel the values shared by Jewish descendants of survivors, these women of valour and strong Zionists. May they forever be blessed.

Advocacy and Action

Tell the Public Safety Minister: Act Against Iranian Terrorism. Fill out the form here.

Read David Helwig in Sootoday, regarding response from public library Executive Director to CAEF’s letter requesting cancellation of a biased anti-Israel film event booked by SSM4Palestine.

This was in response to a May event featuring the controversial film, No Other Land, and now on June 30th, SSM4Palestine is offering a program entitled Palestine-for-Beginners. CAEF is working with Jewish members of the SSM community to offer alternative programs in the city, preferably at the public library. Since there has never been a country called Palestine, nor a people called Palestinian until 1964, and the governing bodies, ie Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, continue to deny Israel’s right to exist, it would appear that the program will promote lies and probably call for the eradication of the Jewish homeland. Basic history ought to include facts, such as: Arabs first invaded the Land known as Israel in the 7th century, the armies of 5 Arab countries attacked the Jewish state on May 15, 1948 and there has been continuous conflict since then, made much worse by the Oslo Accords. Peace will come when the Arabs lay down their arms but the leadership of Gaza and the areas under the Palestinian Authority have stated clearly that they do not envision a Palestinian country that will co-exist with Israel.

The Lawfare Project has initiated an action in British Columbia against the Victoria School for Ideal Education (VSIE) in Victoria, British Columbia—in support of a (former) Jewish teacher, Lauire Allen, who was the alleged target of anti-Jewish discrimination. The case is being supported by The Lawfare Project, with BC lawyer Erin Brandt of PortaLaw representing Ms. Allen. The complaint details a disturbing pattern of antisemitic hostility in the workplace, the school’s failure to protect Ms. Allen from discrimination, and retaliatory actions that ultimately led to her dismissal. In one incident, Laurie faced hostility and an anti-Israel rant after mentioning that her son’s friend was killed in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel.

CAEF Letter to Rhonda Lenton, President of York University, June 10, 2025 regarding the actions of CUPE 3903on campus and the network of radical anti-Israel campus groups.

Drawing on a comprehensive dataset—including nearly 10,000 recorded antisemitic incidents, over 1,000 anti-Israel campus groups, and more than 76,000 Instagram posts—this study analyzes how digital coordination, radicalized rhetoric, and offline mobilization have converged on U.S. campuses, particularly in the wake of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. It identifies the central actors behind a coordinated network of campus and off-campus groups whose messaging increasingly mirrors that of designated terrorist organizations. Since October 7, radicalized language that was once confined to the fringes—such as the glorification of violence and the demonization of Israel—has gained traction and made inroads into the mainstream of university discourse.

Key findings:

Coordinated Network: Activism is not isolated or grassroot but highly coordinated, with National Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) serving as a central hub.
Strong Correlation: The presence of anti-Israel groups on campus is strongly and consistently associated with higher levels of antisemitic incidents.
Radical Influence: Messaging from some campus groups mirrors rhetoric from Hamas and other designated terrorist organizations.
Normalization of Extremism: Content glorifying violence and “martyrdom” is framed in social justice language, garnering wide engagement, especially since 10/7.
Faculty and Allies: Professors, graduate student unions, and anti-Zionist Jewish groups lend academic legitimacy to extreme views.
External Ties: Groups like the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), radical left off-campus organizations, and foreign actors aligned with Iran attempt to influence campus messaging.
Threat to Open Discourse: The climate stifles dissent and undermines free, nuanced debate, replacing it with ideological conformity.
Call to Action: Universities must firmly reject the glorification of terrorism and violence and protect pluralism in thought and identity.

Fighting Antisemitism Requires Looking Globally

ISGAP, the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy released two studies that bring information to light about foreign influences that are spreading antisemitism and potential harm to the entire Western society.

Foreign influence and Anti-Israel Bias in K-12 Classrooms reveals “the existence of substantial Middle Eastern funding to US universities (primarily from Qatar) that had not been reported to the Department of Education, as required by law. In fact, ISGAP’s research uncovered billions of dollars of unreported funds, which in turn led to the launch of a federal investigation in 2019. As part of its ongoing research, ISGAP has uncovered and established that foreign donations, from Qatar in particular, have contributed substantially to rising levels of antisemitic discourse and campus politics at US universities, as well as growing support for anti-democratic values within these institutions of higher education. Qatar has spent billions of dollars, and a large proportion of this has gone unreported to the Department of Education. For decades, Qatar has strategically positioned itself as an international funder of education, science, health, sports, arts and culture, communications, and development, despite being a small country with fewer than 350,000 citizens. As part of this positioning, Qatar is currently the largest foreign donor to US universities. Despite its close ties to the United States and other Western countries, Qatar has also built an extensive network of Islamist partners dedicated to expanding its influence. It hosts, supports, and represents the Muslim Brotherhood; maintains ties with Iran; hosts the Taliban; has supported and maintained an office for Hamas and its exiled leadership; and has backed militias in Syria and Libya.”

While we have limited to no information on foreign funding of Canadian universities and ought to be demanded transparency, there can be little doubt that Canada experiences some of the same influences, either directly or indirectly. Some through shared academics, shared curricula, shared content at professional or discipline specific conferences. This “influence” is notable in the behaviours witnessed on university campuses last year, the student and faculty groups that lean towards the extreme left and vilify Israel, the adoption of anti-Israel policies and isolation of Jewish and allied students and faculty who support Israel. More importantly, there must be a similar investigation into the K-12 curricula that in the US has been found to be heavily influenced by the Choices Program, funded by Qatar, at Brown University.

Read the report.

On June 25th, the National Post published an article on the latest report published by ISGAP, We Stand on Guard For Thee? The Growing Influence of the Muslim Brotherhood on Politics, Academia, and Civil Society in America, which was published Wednesday morning. Canada’s former justice minister Irwin Cotler is on the board of ISGAP.

An introduction in the report states: “The report not only describes the historical context that allowed such radical ideologies (Islamism) and actions to manifest across campuses, but also provides an in-depth analysis of the organizations—both on and off campus—that enabled and supported them. Crucially, the report also analyzes the extent to which the protests were not just a student-led phenomenon but the deliberate machinations of a well-organized and well-funded consortium of anti-Western interests with ties to Russia, China, and Iran.”

Read the report.

Read article by Ari David Blaff in the National Post about Muslim Brotherhood and Qatar influence in Canada.