WINNIPEG – Independent Jewish Voices Canada (IJV), a self-described Jewish advocacy group with a known anti-Zionist agenda, has launched a renewed push to lobby the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Minister of Finance to strip the charitable status of Friends of JNF.
This effort follows the 2024 revocation of the charitable status of JNF Canada after years of coordinated campaigns led by IJV and allied pro-Palestinian organizations.
On September 8, IJV called for a national “phone zap” urging supporters to pressure government officials, accusing Friends of JNF of “greenwashing land theft and Israeli apartheid” and falsely portraying their activities as funding ethnic cleansing and war crimes.
The group disregards the historic social and humanitarian contributions made by JNF and affiliates, instead embracing a politicized narrative that delegitimizes Israel’s right to self-defense and Jewish historical connection to the land.
IJV’s approach follows a familiar pattern seen with their previous campaign against Emunim and others, where ostensibly Jewish organizations act as vehicles to amplify anti-Israel campaigns, fuel hatred, and promote exclusionary agendas under the guise of social justice.
The truth is that Friends of JNF and JNF Canada have long been key supporters of vital projects in Israel benefiting vulnerable populations, including seniors, at-risk youth, and those with special needs.
Their support extends to Jewish connections to the land and community-building across Israel.
Jewish communal leaders warn that IJV’s efforts distort facts and weaponize the Canadian legal system to silence pro-Israel voices.
This campaign not only undermines Israel’s legitimacy but also contributes to growing antisemitism and anti-Zionist bias in Canadian society and abroad.
Canadian institutions, government officials, and the public must recognize and expose these pseudo-Jewish groups. Their divisive tactics harm Jewish unity and weaken vital support networks defending Israel and combating antisemitism worldwide.
This article is based on verified information from the Canadian Jewish News, National Post, Independent Jewish Voices Canada’s records, and NGO community watchdogs.