A delegation from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) recently returned from a mission to Israel, where they witnessed firsthand the devastation inflicted upon border communities by Hezbollah rocket fire. The visit reinforced the growing concern that the threats facing Israelis have direct parallels to the escalating antisemitism in Canada.
During their time in Israel, CIJA leaders visited Metula, a picturesque northern town now transformed into a ghost town by relentless Hezbollah attacks. Mayor David Azoulay guided them through the destruction, pointing out homes torn apart by tank-piercing missiles and the shattered remains of the Canada Centre—an arena built with donations from Canadian philanthropists. The Canada Centre, a symbol of friendship between the two nations, now bears the scars of war, reflecting the harsh reality that many Jewish communities face worldwide.
CIJA’s National Chair, who led the delegation, emphasized the gravity of the situation, drawing comparisons between the insecurity faced by Israelis and the rising tide of antisemitic violence in Canada. He recalled an emotional moment during Shabbat prayers in Jerusalem when he encountered Jon Polin, the father of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was murdered by Hamas terrorists while held captive in Gaza. The encounter underscored the ongoing trauma faced by the Jewish people—both in Israel and abroad.
Returning to Canada, the delegation issued a stark warning: the Jewish community must take a more active role in Canadian politics to ensure its safety and future. With a federal election looming, CIJA is urging Jewish Canadians to mobilize—by voting, volunteering, and advocating for policies that support Israel and combat domestic antisemitism.
“Israelis survive not because of their numbers, but because of their resilience,” CIJA’s National Chair stated. “Likewise, the Jewish community in Canada—less than 1% of the population—must engage in democracy with the same determination.”
CIJA is calling on Canadian Jews to take a stand against rising antisemitism, from attacks on Jewish institutions to pro-Hamas demonstrations in the streets. With political decisions increasingly shaping the safety of Jewish communities, CIJA’s message is clear: the next election is too important to sit out.