Updates and Reviews | CAEF Bulletin, May 21, 2025
- CAEF
- May 21
- 4 min read
CAEF Supports an Important Conference Open to All
Presented by the Clarity Coalition: a global coalition founded by Muslims, ex-Muslims, academics, scholars, authors, and activists who stand for peace, democracy, liberty, and secular governance and who are deeply concerned by the continuing threat posed to these values by the actions and demands of Islamists in various places around the world.
The conference, Confronting Antisemitism in Canada, to be held at the Niagara Military Museum will address the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada since October 7th, 2023 and how you can combat it. This conference brings together leading scholars, policymakers, and community advocates to address the ominous increase of antisemitism in its modern manifestations and the urgent need for a decisive response.
Through expert panels, discussions, and strategic engagement, this event will explore the contemporary roots of antisemitism, the failures in public policy and education that have allowed it to grow, and actionable solutions to combat it. It will also explore the impact on Canadian society and strategies for creating a more inclusive future.
CAEF Arranged Two Programs in Toronto
As host for the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem delegation, CAEF has collaborated with Or Chaim Minyan to have a panel presentation at the coming Shabbat Kiddush. Eight IEJ representatives are travelling to Toronto from New York, Seattle, Kelowna, Edmonton, and Ottawa to participate in the annual Walk with Israel on Sunday, May 25th. We are thrilled to welcome Brian LaBounty, Melodie Greyeyes, Linda Price, Chief Reggie Neepok, Gela Naqica, Lizzie Gordon, Rita BearGray, and Gavin Howell.
People can still register to Walk with Israel.
Don’t miss what will be the largest community walk ever held in Canada.
Hold the Date for Brigadier General Amir Avivi—June 10th in Toronto
Details to come, program at 7:30 pm, Tickets to go on sale by May 25th.
CAEF was Pleased to Sponsor Then and Now: A Night to Remember
Interfaith Bridge, an organization bringing together diverse Canadian voices, sponsored a fabulous program on May 14th at St.Paul’s Church on Bloor Street in downtown Toronto. The event brought out over 700 attendees, demonstrating powerful unity and allyship.
This uniquely Canadian evening brought together Christian, Jewish, and Muslim voices to reflect on the values that unite us and the challenges we must confront together.
Symposium on Antisemitism—Facts, Actions, Resources, Networks
The recent symposium, May 5-7, at Brock University in Thorold Ontario, brought together academics and activists to learn about studies in antisemitism, projects that are current and have results, and studies that need more participants. The fields covered included communication, marketing, social work, law, psychology, history, education, and psycholinguistics. Speakers were from Israel, Canada, US and UK and all offered highly impressive and encouraging presentations. Encouraging because of the breadth and diversity of studies in understanding and combating antisemitism, and the dedication of many who are activists in the battle for truth and justice to prevail.
CAEF was a proud Silver Sponsor and several presentations acknowledged CAEF research support. All sessions were videoed and recordings will be shared as soon as available.
Headlines that Should Alarm the Jews
Immediately post induction into their new ministerial posts, several members of the Federal Liberal government signaled a lessening of Canada’s support to Israel, demanded Israel provide aid to Gazans, stated a commitment to two states, and ignored Hamas’ role in a massacre. The Minister of Foreign Affairs did not mention Hamas’s breaking a ceasefire, holding hostages and lying on a daily basis about casualties and even refusing countless times to negotiate. This does not bode well for the Jewish community nor for Canada in addressing extremism. The anti-Israel protesters will likely read this as a pass for their hostile behaviour.
Read Tasha Kheiriddin in the National Post on the Liberal pass given to Hamas.
Read the Times of Israel article by Nava Freiberg on the boost that UK, France and Canada have given to Hamas.
Read article by Alan Kessel in the National Post, on the harmful statements made by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, that express a lack of support and bias against Israel.
Read Jesse Kline in the National Post on the keffiyeh wearing kindergarten teachers in the Toronto School District.
Important Updates
Legal News: Toronto Police made two arrests of anti-Israel demonstrators last weekend at Yonge and Dundas Streets. Seyed Hydri was charged with Mischief (Interference with Use of Private Property) for allegedly setting off smoke bombs into the patio of the Landwer cafe. David Shultz, who was already facing police obstruction charges from a demonstration at Bathurst and Sheppard, added three more counts to his rap sheet: possession of a dangerous weapon in a public place, wearing a disguise with intent to commit a criminal offence, and common nuisance.
Action Item: Shultz is still a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. To demand that the College immediately suspend his license, email Professional Standards Director Andy Rosenhek at: Andy.rosenhek@oct.ca
Update: Razzaali Bahadur, who is facing hateful statement charges for his antisemitic rant at last year’s rally for the hostages, is scheduled to receive the verdict in his trial June 17 at the Armoury Street Courthouse.
Please email CAEF President, Michael Teper rmichaelteper@gmail.com for further details.
Advocacy and Action
Read letter from Evelyn Simon to Mayor Olivia Chow, May 12, 2025 expressing concern about the rising, unabated, uncontrolled antisemitism in Toronto.
Read David Isaacs in JNS.org on the Pulitzer Prize going to an extremist “Palestinian” poet (quotation marks added by Ed.) Abiu Toha even discredited an Israeli hostage’s experience.
Write to Pulitzer@Pulitzer.org to ask they rescind the award to antisemite
Recommended Viewing
Watch new podcast, The Unfiltered View, presented by Israel Ellis, with guest featuring Andria Spindel, Executive Director, CAEF
Join Israel Ellis in discussion with Warren Kinsella. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Limited seating. Register here.
Watch Honest Reporting message from Mike Fegelman, CEO, to PM Carney - 5 Things Canada’s New Government Can do to Protect Jewish Canadians.
Celebrating Israel’s Independence, Declaration Day May 14, 2025
Members of the Board of CAEF and Executive Director, Andria Spindel, attended the annual celebration hosted by the Israeli Consulate for Ontario and Western Canada. The 77th anniversary of Israel coincided with the 100th anniversary of Hebrew University.
Comments