David Granovsky דוד גרנובסקי

The Beat has uncovered a very interesting pattern as it relates to antisemitism that is running across almost every part of the survey. Respondents are not pointing to one specific institution as a failure, but rather they are expressing a whole of society concern across government, universities, media, social media platforms and the justice system. Government was identified most often, with 61% of respondents saying antisemitism is being handled inadequately there. Universities and colleges followed at 58%. Media, social media platforms, police and the justice system also ranked prominently. Taken together, the findings point toward something deeper than dissatisfaction with individual decisions. They point to an erosion of institutional confidence. The question is no longer simply whether antisemitism exists. It is whether the institutions responsible for confronting it are responding effectively. Explore the findings: bnaibrith.ca/thebeat/

Last weekend, @LibraryArchives (LAC) hosted an event which platformed an individual with a documented history of promoting Holocaust distortion. The individual's rhetoric was included as an example of Holocaust inversion in the Government's own handbook on antisemitism. The Canadian Government has adopted the IHRA working definition of antisemitism — a framework that recognizes that Holocaust inversion is used to demonize Jewish people and incite hate. B’nai Brith wrote to LAC to voice our concerns about hosting such an individual. In its response, LAC dismissed our warning citing its commitment to "intellectual freedom." However, supporting intellectual freedom does not mean that our government must permit its space to be used to elevate those who engage in Holocaust distortion.   For Canada to meaningfully implement IHRA, its public institutions must never welcome individuals who violate it in such a callous and egregious manner. LAC must develop policies to prevent such a situation from undermining Canada's commitment to fighting antisemitism.

Yesterday, B’nai Brith’s Richard Robertson addressed a House of Commons committee studying "the effectiveness of international institutions." In his remarks, he reiterated B’nai Brith’s concerns about Canada’s continued support of UNRWA. Each year, Canada provides UNRWA with tens of millions of dollars in funding, even though the U.N agency seems to be misguided and broken beyond repair. Employees are known to be associated with terrorist organizations, and UNWRA schools contain educational content that incites antisemitism and glorifies violence. Yet Canada continues to fund UNRWA and ignore the agency's failures. Canada must immediately pause its funding of UNRWA. If the agency is unable or unwilling to institute the necessary changes, Canada must cease supporting its operations. Click here to watch Richard's entire appearance: youtube.com/watch?v=2hAn-Pw7…

B'nai Brith Canada is relieved to learn that Const. Jeff Smith has been released from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home, after heroically confronting a gunman outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario. We pray for his continued recovery and thank him for his brave service to all Canadians.

A night of remarkable moments, well-deserved recognition, and plenty to celebrate! 🥂 Experience the highlights from B'nai Brith of Canada Foundation's Toronto Award of Merit Gala!

B’nai Brith Canada warmly congratulates all candidates who participated in Ontario’s municipal elections. Putting one’s name forward takes courage and all candidates, not only those who were elected, must be applauded for taking part in our democratic process. At a time when Ontario’s Jewish community is under increasing attack, we look forward to working with mayors and councils across the province to confront antisemitism and to ensure the continued vitality of Jewish life in Ontario. B’nai Brith Canada further acknowledges Mayor Olivia Chow’s re-election in the City of Toronto, home to Canada's largest Jewish community. With her renewed mandate, we call on Mayor Chow to demonstrate genuine leadership and support for the Jewish community. The status quo is unacceptable. During the past three years, Toronto has emerged as a flashpoint in the global crisis of antisemitism – a hotbed of hate visible not only to Canadians but the entire world. Even as this crisis has accelerated, the mayor has not taken sufficient steps to protect public order and end the incitement and division festering in the City. Worse, she has failed to work with the Jewish community and has refused to meet with B’nai Brith on multiple occasions. Mayor Chow must reverse course, show up for the Jewish community, and restore our trust. B’nai Brith is willing to participate in a constructive dialogue with Mayor Chow and her office. We look forward to addressing the challenges facing Torontonians, including the surge in antisemitism and extremism, and protecting human rights for everyone in the city.

Thank you, Premier @fordnation, for joining us at our B'nai Brith of Canada Foundation Award of Merit Gala. The B’nai Brith of Canada Foundation supports the work of B’nai Brith Canada which champions human rights, confronts antisemitism and defends vulnerable Canadians. We’re proud of that legacy, and grateful for your support.