“To Bigotry No Sanction, To Persecution No Assistance” | CAEF Bulletin, May 8, 2026

CAEF
4 days ago
17 min read

Shabbat at America’s 250

As the United States of America embarks on celebrating the 250^th anniversary of its independence, U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed May 2026 as National Jewish Heritage Month, and further proclaimed the Shabbat commencing May 15, 2026 to be the first National Shabbat Day in the history of the United States.

Here is the official proclamation:

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

This Jewish American Heritage Month, we honor the countless contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our Nation’s 250 glorious years of independence, and we celebrate their unwavering commitment to the values that make our country great — faith, family, and freedom.

In his letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1790, President George Washington beautifully said, “May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.” Since the earliest days of our Republic, Jewish Americans have helped build the cause of liberty and sustain the greatness of our Nation. Among them was the iconic Haym Salomon, an early supporter of the war for independence. As stories tell us, Salomon was instrumental in the success of our Continental Congress and Founding Fathers, and rallied support for freedom. He was a zealous advocate against tyranny, and even after imprisonment by the British Crown, he continued his work in defense of freedom. In the end, he gave everything to the success of the American Revolution. Like so many Jewish Americans who follow in his footsteps, Salomon’s legacy stands as a testament to the unshakable belief in the American promise.

In the same letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport, President Washington proclaimed that the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” Under my leadership, we are aggressively fighting the violence against Jewish Americans that increased under my predecessor, prosecuting hateful criminals to the fullest extent of the law, and working to end the scourge of anti-Semitism throughout our institutions, especially on college campuses. As President, I will never stop fighting to protect our birthright of religious freedom — a sacred right that continues to guide our Nation, drawing us closer to the Almighty each and every day.

Throughout this historic year, we rejoice in the triumph of the American spirit and rededicate ourselves to the cause of liberty and justice for all. In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath. From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.

This month, we celebrate the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to our way of life, we honor their role in shaping the story of our Nation, and we remember that religious devotion, learning, and service to others are enduring pillars of a thriving culture. Through every trial and triumph, the contributions of Jewish Americans have shaped our past, have strengthened our communities, and will continue to inspire American greatness for generations to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month. I call upon Americans to celebrate the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies. I further call on all Americans to celebrate their faith and freedom throughout this year, during this month, and especially on Shabbat to celebrate our 250th year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May ... two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Here is the full text of the letter of U.S. President George Washington to the Congregation of Newport Rhode Island, August 21, 1790.

Gentlemen.

While I receive, with much satisfaction, your Address replete with expressions of affection and esteem; I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you, that I shall always retain a grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced in my visit to Newport, from all classes of Citizens.

The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet, from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security. If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good Government, to become a great and a happy people.

The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.

It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my Administration, and fervent wishes for my felicity. May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.

Go: Washington

Buy Israeli Wine Today or Saturday May 9, 2026

This Buycott campaign is to counter the anti-Israel boycott scheduled for 1:00pm tomorrow outside the LCBO at 55 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

Protesters are planning to smear Israel, call for a boycott of Israeli wines, stop customers or intimidate them from purchasing Israeli products.

Let’s buy up all the Israeli wines, enjoy some of the world’s finest, and ignore the Jew hating BDS mob. Shop early!

Legal Update

1. Deana SHERIF. On May 6, 2026, Deana SHERIF was sentenced at the Superior Court of Justice sitting at Ottawa to 17 months imprisonment, being the period of pre-trial custody SHERIF served on charges of criminal harassment (10 months) and assault with a weapon (10 months). Justice Charles Hackland also imposed a one-year period of probation, during which time SHERIF is prohibited from public possession of any noxious sound emitting device for the purpose of annoying or harming any person. CAEF President Michael Teper attended the Superior Court in person on May 1, 2026 to deliver a Community Impact Statement, which is presented below.

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I am appearing as President of the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation, a registered Canadian charity and grassroots organization dedicating to educating the Canadian public about the dangers of antisemitism in our society, and to confronting them vigorously.

Following a jury trial, Deana Sherif was found guilty of the criminal harassment of David Sachs on April 15, 2024. Ms. Sherif was also found guilty of the offence of assault on Brad Vis, a member of the House of Commons of Canada, but this second offence is not the subject of this Community Impact Statement.

The circumstances of this offence are very disturbing for our organization and for the Jewish community in Ottawa, in Ontario, and indeed, throughout Canada. According to the evidence, Mr. Sachs entered by foot onto the south side of Wellington Street, after leaving the Sir John A. MacDonald Building where he was attending an event. Mr. Sachs is a Jew, and he was wearing a kippah.

A kippah is a brimless skullcap typically worn by Jews. Its use unmistakably marks out the wearer of it as a Jew. In this case, immediately upon exiting the building while wearing his kippah, Mr. Sachs was followed by a crowd that included Ms. Sherif.

To put it briefly and succinctly, Ms. Sherif criminally harassed Mr. Sachs, following him down O’Connor Street for three blocks as part of a crowd that was yelling at him, insulting him, and aiming her powerful electric noise emitting device at him.

Ms. Sherif did not pause to inquire about his Mr. Sachs’ political views. She did not know, or care to enquire, whether he supports or opposes a particular Israeli government policy or action. She did not know, or care to enquire, whether he identifies as Zionist, non-Zionist, or otherwise. Mr. Sachs was wearing a kippah, and a small crowd, including Ms. Sherif, followed him and for three blocks would not leave him alone.

The incident before the Court did not arise from a political debate. Mr. Sachs was not participating in a political rally. He was not engaged in political advocacy. He was simply exiting a government building and walking down the street while visibly wearing a symbol of Jewish identity. Ms. Sherif’s behavior was not criticism of a foreign government or even the Canadian government.

I have been given to understand that the Crown does not intend to assert that Ms. Sach’s behavior was motivated by hate, bias or prejudice. Quite frankly, the CAEF and the broader Jewish community isn’t all that concerned about her motivation. We have no window into her soul and we are not all that concerned about what thought or feelings are at the bottom of her heart. We are concerned about the effect and the impact of her behavior, which is that if you’re walking down the sidewalk in a large city while being visibly Jewish, you had better watch your back. If it turns out that some other visibly Jewish person in the neighborhood can somehow manage to navigate the streets without being harassed and assailed, that’s pretty cold and negligible comfort for us.

Scapegoating Jews for the perceived evils of the world and scapegoating individual Jews for the mythical evils of the Jewish people, are the oldest twin patterns of antisemitism. Across centuries and continents, Jews have been blamed individually and collectively for plagues, wars, economic collapse, and social unrest. The modern manifestation often substitutes “Zionist” or “Israel” as the vehicle for that blame, but the structure remains the same: a Jewish individual is treated as morally responsible for global events they do not cause or control.

Our organization does not, and most Jews do not, contend that reasoned and even passionate criticism of Israeli government policy is antisemitic. Robust political debate is a cornerstone of democracy, including within Israel itself. But when an individual Jew, standing on a Canadian street, becomes the target of harassment even partially on account of their identity or appearance, the line from political criticism to antisemitism has been crossed, in terms of its practical effect and impact on Canada’s Jewish community.

The reaction of our community to Ms. Sherif’s crime, and many others like it, is:

(i) fear for our physical safety and

(ii) bewilderment at what has happened to our country, such that Jews need to watch their

backs while walking on the streets of Canadian cities while wearing items that identify us

for who we are.

Many of us feel compelled to keep a low profile in public, to dress generically, and to conceal our identities, for fear we may become the target of exactly the sort of behavior exhibited by Ms. Sherif, or worse.

Ms. Sherif is without doubt entitled to her opinions about conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, the actions and policies of the State of Israel, and how the Canadian government should react, but neither she, nor anyone else, is entitled to translate her opinions into criminal actions with her high-volume high pitched directed sound device.

This crime reverberates far beyond Ottawa. It heightens the sense of vulnerability experienced by Jewish Canadians from one end of the country to another, at a time of rising violent antisemitism in Canada’s cities. It makes us question whether we can continue to walk the streets in our nation’s capital proudly and without fear, as the equals of all other Canadians and full citizens of this country.

Jewish Canadians have the right to be Jewish in public, if we want to. Jewish Canadians have the right to be Zionist in public, if we want to. Jewish Canadians have the right to wear our Jewish and indeed, our Zionist identities in public, and to be safe when we do.

We Jews have knowledge, borne of long and painful historical experience, that harassment, when not confronted and dealt with decisively, becomes normalized and quickly escalates into assaults and far more serious crimes that also become normalized and ultimately converted into government policy. It happened many times in many supposedly civilized countries; it can easily happen again, right here in Canada.

On a personal note, like thousands of other Jewish Canadians, I was born in this country and have lived here my whole life. I hold a Canadian passport and no other. One of my children proudly wears Canada’s uniform in an infantry regiment. Like thousands of other Jewish Canadians, I have extended family and friends who live in Israel, who I treasure and support. A full 45% of the Jews in the world live in Israel. Jewish Canadians, Zionist or not, have no obligation to account or apologize to anyone for anything, and we boldly assert the right to walk down the street while being visibly Jewish without someone accosting us and following us around while holding a high-pitch high-volume electric whistle device, or any other sort of weapon.

Jews, Zionists and their allies have the constitutionally guaranteed right to 100% civic equality in Canada.

Thank you for listening to the voice of the Jewish community in this matter.

2. Synagogue Shooting Suspect Arrested – CAEF Following Case

On May 6, 2026, the Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police announced the arrest of an 18 year old suspect in the overnight shootings at the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto Synagogue in York Region, and the Shaarei Shomayim synagogue in Toronto. The name of the suspect is embargoed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act as he was under 18 at the time of the alleged offences.

CAEF is applying to the Ontario Court of Justice for an exemption from the publication ban for the limited purpose of monitoring the progress of the case for research and statistical purposes, and so that in the event the suspect were found guilty, CAEF may present a Community Impact Statement to the court

3. Harley MITCHELL – Not Criminally Responsible

Harley MITCHELL of Hamilton ON was found not criminally responsible of willful incitement of hatred by reason of mental disorder. CAEF, along with various other Jewish community organizations, will present a Community Impact Statement at the hearing before the Ontario Review Board.

Today’s Betrayal by Prime Minister Carney

Read the statement posted May 7, 2026 on the PM’s website page.

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas.

The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s deep concern over the continued humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reaffirmed its opposition to Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank. He emphasised that unilateral actions undermine prospects for a lasting peace.

Prime Minister Carney underscored Canada’s unwavering support for a negotiated two-state solution – an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.

The Prime Minister welcomed the measures taken by the Palestinian Authority to strengthen accountability, governance, and democratic institutions, in which Hamas can play no part. He conveyed Canada’s support and the importance of further reforms.

Canada will continue to promote peace and stability in the region, and work closely with partners toward this goal. The two leaders will remain in contact.

CAEF suggests readers consider these facts: the President of the Palestinian Authority continues to call for the destruction of Israel, released a new constitution which states Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine, while he continues to pay for the murder of Jews, names a new site for the Nazi Haj Al Husseini,

Here is what Palestinian Media Watch said about the new PA constitution: (no line here)

“However, there is no Palestinian ‘right of return’, which is not a right at all. Palestinians distort Resolution 194's interpretation and mask their intent behind their demand for it – which is to demographically erase the Jewish majority in Israel in the PA's vision of a "two-state" outcome. Moreover, like all UNGA resolutions, Resolution 194 was non-binding.

Currently, the Palestinians are in the process of drafting a "constitution" that aims to tie the hands of future Palestinian leaders who might make peace with Israel in a variety of ways, but specifically by making the right of return part of Palestinian law and thus make any concession on the "refugee" issue unconstitutional.”

It has been reported that the “State of Palestine” constitution preamble incorporates the violent, genocidal PLO National Covenant (by declaring that the “Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) remains the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people [and] . . . continues to perform its national responsibilities according to the [PLO] National Covenant.”). The PLO National Covenant explicitly calls for the “elimination of Zionism in Palestine” (Article 15); insists that “Armed struggle is the only way to liberate Palestine” (Article 9); and states that Palestine is an “indivisible territorial unit” with the full British Mandate boundaries (Article 2). This is the incorporation of a plan for violently eradicating Israel.

The “Palestine” constitution also attempts to shore up Islamic claims to seize Israel by rewriting history and lying that Palestine is “where the Messenger of God [Mohammed] travelled.” In fact, Mohammed never traveled to or in “Palestine.”

Report on ONLINE Antisemitism

The Blue Square Alliance released this report, Online Antisemitism During War: Operation Epic Fury, in April. The introduction notes: ..” the surge in hate content that followed the U.S. and Israeli military operation against Iran starting on February 28, 2026. In the first week alone, antisemitic conversation surged 200 percent, contributing to more than 159 million posts that generated over 1 billion impressions through the ceasefire announced on April 7. “

Escalation in antisemitism is visible in scale, intensity, severity, setting a new base line after every war

Read the full report.

Report from Jewish Onliner lists Antisemitic Muslim Brotherhood Speakers at MAC Conference in Toronto, May 16-19, 2026. Read full report.

Handbook For Diaspora Jews from Melanie Philipps

Philipps’ new book, Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege, was published by Wicked Son on March 12. This renowned journalist and Zionist activist wrote: “I wrote it as a response to what I found when visiting Jewish communities in Britain, America and Australia struggling to cope with the relentless onslaught of lies, defamation and attacks that’s engulfed them since the Hamas-led atrocities in Israel on October 7 2023.

My book will, I hope, provide them with the guidance for which they have been crying out. You can read more about it on the back cover image below.”

You can order on Amazon: Canada | USA

New Resource for High School Students

Want to be more informed? Part of a team of Knowledge Leaders? Capable of Standing Up

Israel and against anti-Jewish hatred?

Join the Common Roots Program of Allied Voices for Israel.

Throughout the program (running from October to May), ambassadors participate in monthly webinars featuring diverse speakers and engaging educational workshops. Students gain valuable skills and experience through a variety of hands-on opportunities, including:

Leading and participating in social media campaigns
Writing and editing op-eds
Planning and running events
Connecting with peers from across the country

Apply Now: https://www.alliedvoicesforisrael.org/highschool#dataItem-ljw9q33h

More information can be found on our website

Recommended Viewing

Read and listen to CJN interview by Ellin Bessner with Justice Harry LaForme, an acclaimed Indigenous leader, advocate for Jewish causes and opposed to Canada’s recognition of statehood for Palestine, September 29, 2025.

Watch Hillel Neuer, CEO of UN Watch in Canadian parliament outlining the failings of the Canadian government in regards to Israel and the Jews in Canada.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVrkbiMLoSw

Watch Dr. Andrew Bostom in ISGAP webinar on the Grand Imam Tantawi and the Al Azhar University (Cairo) 80 year jihad against Israel and the Jews.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3emBugJLWU

Watch Sesame Street promo celebrating Jewish American (and Canadian) Heritage Month. Of course, this message drew the ire of anti-Jewish unAmerican critics.

Watch Melanie Philipps on JTV about how to finish off Islamism, May 6, 2026.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfEUY1unLB4

Watch Miss Israel meets Ms Mamdani, in NY Café—for real.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhYsOW0h35w

What Sweden’s approach to Islamist extremism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yOO5ZSkwmg

Watch Brendan O’Neill explains why antizionism is antisemitism.

Watch Van Jones in Love from Israel post on Why the World must not abandon the Jews, posted by Yohay Sponder.

Advocacy and Action

Read Letter from Richard Sherman to CEO Isha Khan, Canadian Museum of Human Rights, cc'd to the board of CMHR & Minister Marc Miller, on the fakery of a Nabka exhibit & consequence support for antisemitism.

Read Letter from Larry Shapiro to Minister Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, re statements against antisemitism do not help when gov't itself believes the worst of Israel & enables Jew hatred.

Read Letter from Michael Teper, CAEF President to Director General, Charities Directorate, CRA regarding complaints filed by anti-Israel organizations against Jewish schools, pointing out the meritless claims.

Read Letter from Larry Shapiro, Calgary, to Editor of Globe and Mail re the false claims made against Israel and "settlers' by Mark MacKinnon in an April article, May 1, 2026.

Read Letter from Richard Sherman, Florida, to New York Times Editor on the zinophobic claim by Ben Rhodes that the Israeli government is hostile to international law, May 7, 2026.

A New Zealand Zionist, Nova Peris, asks for our help. Read and watch

I’ve come to understand this word deeply.

A mitzvah — an act of kindness, compassion, or standing up for what is right. Over the past year, I’ve received thousands of messages from Jewish people around the world thanking me for standing with you against antisemitism and for Israel.

I didn’t take that lightly. I was overwhelmed. Because, to me, it was just the right thing to do!

As an Indigenous woman, I know what it means to have your identity, history, and connection to land denied.

I have stood with you because I recognise that truth.

Now, I’m asking you to stand with my people.

In March 2026, Cyclone Narelle here in the Northern Territory devastated Bawaka, a sacred Yolŋu homeland. Homes, infrastructure, and the foundation of a growing cultural tourism future have been severely damaged.

Through my foundation, novaperisfoundation.org.au, we are on the ground rebuilding and restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and helping people stay connected to their country.

If my solidarity with YOU has mattered, I ask for yours now.

Please watch this video and, if you’re able, donate:

DONATE NOW

An Honest Reporting Toolkit for Action

From Awareness to Action: Supporting Jewish Communities in Canada, A Toolkit For Non-Jewish Allies is designed to meet a growing need for clarity, context, and practical guidance. At a time when antisemitism is rising, and conversations around it are often confused or contested, this toolkit provides a grounded, accessible framework for understanding what’s happening and how to respond.

Antisemitism is often misunderstood as a “Jewish issue.” In reality, it is a broader societal one. As the toolkit outlines, antisemitism tends to emerge in moments where public discourse breaks down. That’s where misinformation spreads, where complexity is reduced to simple narratives, and where standards are applied inconsistently. It does not exist in isolation, and its effects extend far beyond the communities it targets.

Download the Toolkit

Download here: https://hrccharitable.ca/toolkits/from-awareness-to-action-supporting-jewish-communities-in-canada/

Community Events

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.