As families and friends gathered at the Passover Seder(s), they were reminded of their ancestors' profound journey of suffering, resilience, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit and quest for freedom and self-determination in their ancestral Jewish homeland.
The story of Passover marks the beginning of the Jewish people's journey as a nation. The Pharaoh of Egypt, in a calculated act of genocide, issued a decree to murder all male Israelite children, commanding, "Every son that is born, you shall cast into the river." This cruel act is one of the earliest recorded instances of anti-Semitism and attempt to annihilate the Jewish people by cutting off their future generations. Pharaoh targeted children, recognizing their central role in Jewish heritage and continuity as a people of faith.
Pharaoh's decree became a blueprint for anti-Semitism, embodying systematic persecution and attempts to erase the Jewish identity. Tragically, this pattern has echoed through thousands of years of Jewish persecution. The genocidal massacre on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a coordinated attack on Israel, savagely murdering civilians, including children, in cold blood. This atrocity, one of the worst massacres of Jewish people since the Holocaust, and the events that followed serve as a stark reminder that the struggles, oppression, and hatred faced by our ancestors persist even today. The resilience of the Jewish people continues to shine through these dark chapters, rooted in enduring faith and an unwavering commitment to preserving Jewish heritage.
In the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, the Jewish people have united to confront the pain, tragedy, and relentless antisemitism unleashed by supporters of terrorists. As each sickening and horrifying detail about the victims and hostages emerged, the full extent of Hamas' savagery and depravity became evident. Shock as to what they were and are capable of, showing them to be demons. Among the most heart-wrenching atrocities was Hamas' demonic murder of Shiri Bibas and her two beautiful red-haired children with their bare hands. Hamas' murder of Jewish male children is a haunting reminder of Pharaoh's decree.
Today, Israel embodies that same spirit of strength, courage, leadership, and faith. In the face of threats from Hamas and the Iranian axis, Israel stands resolute, holding firm to its identity and purpose. The land of Israel, promised to the Israelites, endures as the eternal homeland of the Jewish people. These challenging times only strengthen their resolve, reinforcing their commitment to their heritage and securing their future.
Acts of such profound evil demand solidarity from all who are guided by conscience, morality, and strong principles. History has repeatedly demonstrated that societies which began by persecuting Jews inevitably turned their cruelty toward others, often leading to their own ruin. As Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks wisely stated, "The hate that begins with Jews never ends with Jews. antisemitism is only secondarily about Jews primarily it is about the failure of groups to accept responsibility for their own failures and build their own future by their own Endeavors no society that has ever fostered antisemitism has ever sustained Liberty or human rights or religious freedom every society driven by hate begins by seeking to destroy its enemies and ends by destroying itself." The eternal war against evil is a cosmic battle, one that pits the values of Judaism against Amalek forces that seek to destroy them. This same evil supports Hamas murderers cloaking itself in the guise of virtue signalling while aligning with terrorists who commit atrocities of rape and murder against innocent children. They distort reality, fabricate false narratives, and portray victims as aggressors while shielding the true perpetrators. The actions of Universities and BDS supporters who applauded the horrors of Oct 7 are part of a broader agenda to dismantle and destroy.
Both Communism and the BDS movement have employed the tactic of Entryism, infiltrating academic institutions to gain influence and promote their ideological goals under the pretense of academic or social justice initiatives. Communists historically infiltrated universities' liberal arts departments to shape policy and the academic environment. This strategy thrives on exploiting institutional frameworks, such as research grants and diversity initiatives, to embed its agenda. While Intelligence and police services monitored governments for Communist infiltration, academic institutions were left unchecked.
Universities have become corrupt institutions prioritizing Marxist ideological indoctrination and profiteering over the well-being of their students. Communists and Islamists have forged alliances in their shared mission to destroy the West, capitalism, and the Jewish people, including Israel. As witnessed in other countries such as Iran, when the left and Islam align, Sharia follows. In Canada, as elsewhere in the West, Jewish students have carried the brunt of the antagonism directed against Israel and Jews. Last summer's CIJR Baruch Cohen Internship Program asked students to tackle those issues primarily affecting Jewish students on campus.
In his article, "THE LINE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DRAWN: A RETROSPECTIVE ON THE MCGILL PRO-PALESTINIAN ENCAMPMENT," McGill University student Alex Ritch takes his university to task by exposing McGill University President Deep Saini's failure to act promptly to dismantle the anti-Semitic pro-Palestinian encampment that endangered Jewish students and staff. By examining internal memos, he documented President Saini's ineffective leadership and failure to take decisive action earlier, which led to the encampment lasting over ten weeks of intimidation, antisemitic demonstrations, and escalating violence. Conditions inside the encampment deteriorated with drug use, homelessness, and rat infestations. The situation culminated in the assault of a McGill security agent, prompting the eventual dismantling of the encampment by private security and the Montreal Police.
How, though, can we explain this explosion of Jew hate in our most elite universities? University of Toronto student Taryn Herlich, in her exemplary article "MARXISM ON CAMPUS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR ANTISEMITISM," examines the antisemitic origins of Marxism and its evolution into a more acceptable ideological and political stance that marries modern-day progressives and Islamists. The article explores the infiltration of neo-Marxist ideologies and antisemitism into Canadian universities and their impact on Jewish students and attempts to delegitimize Israel. These radical ideologies manifest through anti-Israel rhetoric, far-left activism, and campaigns like BDS, which perpetuate hostility and discrimination under the guise of progressive movements. The article also delves into the historical roots of Marxism's antisemitic foundations and its modern alignment with radical Islamist movements, emphasizing the need for universities to address hate speech and foster inclusivity. Finally, it touches on the awakening of Jewish students to these challenges and the importance of confronting antisemitism while reaffirming their identity.
Given these inherent biases, are Jewish students destined to remain victims? No, there are legal tools available to combat hate and discrimination. In my article "PRO-PALESTINIAN ENCAMPMENTS, UNIVERSITIES, AND CANADIAN HUMAN-RIGHTS LAW," WHAT CAN AND SHOULD UNIVERSITIES DO TO KEEP JEWS SAFE? I, Sorcha Del Corpo Salmon, a Queens University student, examine these legal tools and address how academic institutions have become platforms for hatred and propaganda under the guise of free speech and academic freedom to target Jewish students and delegitimize Israel. I explore the tension between protecting freedom of expression and ensuring safety, equality, and respect for all students, particularly Jewish students targeted by pro-Palestinian encampments. The article also highlights the need for universities to take strong, lawful action to dismantle these harmful activities and create an environment free of discrimination and incitement, all while preserving the integrity of academic spaces.
However, are our current hate laws adequate to protect Jews against Jew-hatred exploding on Canadian streets? In my article, "CANADA'S HATE SPEECH LAWS UNDER SCRUTINY AMID DRAMATIC RISE IN ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS AND GROWING WAVE OF HATE CRIMES SINCE OCTOBER 7", I argue that they aren't.
Since the October 7 Hamas terror attacks, Canada has seen a dramatic surge in antisemitic incidents, particularly in hate crimes and hate speech. Toronto Police report a 211% increase in antisemitic occurrences compared to last year, making up 53% of reported hate crimes since the conflict began. Jewish institutions and homes were targeted, and dangerous rhetoric continues to rise. Despite Canada's hate speech laws, including sections addressing genocide advocacy and terrorism promotion, enforcement has proven difficult. Legal challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and loopholes in current legislation contribute to the ineffectiveness of these laws. As well, pro-Palestinian protests and inflammatory statements further test the boundaries of free speech and law enforcement's capacity to act.
Experts and law enforcement officials, like Toronto Deputy Police Chief Rob Johnson, emphasize the need for societal collaboration and legislative reform to confront the alarming rise in antisemitic hate crimes and ensure stronger protections against hate speech in Canada.
We may ask, from where does this hate stem? After all, Canadians are a historically peaceful and tolerant people. However, in keeping with the progressive leanings of the international media, and especially here in Canada under, until now, the leadership of the progressive PM Justin Trudeau, the CBC and other media outlets have established a narrative of the Israeli-Hamas conflict that definitively favours the terrorists.
In her article, "WHY ISRAEL DOMINATES THE NEWS: EXAMINING MEDIA BIAS AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION," Taryn highlights the pervasive bias and double standards in media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where Israel is disproportionately criticized. At the same time, terrorist actions by groups like Hamas are downplayed or justified.
While antisemitism often drives this hostility, many individuals, particularly on American and Canadian university campuses, act out of ignorance, engaging in virtue-signalling and chanting genocidal slogans without understanding their implications. Media outlets, such as The Washington Post, exacerbate the issue with biased reporting and an overreliance on anonymous sources, fostering a cycle of misinformation that influences education, public perception, and future media narratives. This skewed narrative, amplified by ideological agendas, influences public opinion, perpetuates antisemitism, and contributes significantly to the hostility toward Israel, overshadowing other global crises. The article emphasizes the necessity of countering misinformation through education and exposing media distortions while recognizing the importance of fostering balanced perspectives to combat prejudice and ensure a fair understanding of geopolitical realities.
Israel and its supporters need to confront these challenges by addressing misinformation with facts and strategic counter-narratives. This effort requires engaging in difficult conversations to combat ignorance and the malevolent political climate that perpetuates bias and antisemitism.
There is no question that Jews have woken up, and influential ones such as Bill Ackman have begun flexing their financial muscles in support of Israel and Jewish students.
Alex's thought-provoking article "MONEY TALKS: THE BILLIONAIRE'S FIGHT AGAINST ANTISEMITISM AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES" revolves around the power of financial leverage in combating antisemitism. It explores how wealthy Jewish donors used their influence and resources to hold university administrations accountable for how they are handling antisemitic incidents. He also raises the ethical question of whether this is the way to go.
Jewish students with little background of their Jewish heritage are most vulnerable to the deceitful narratives being promulgated. Some, like Jews for Palestine, have lent their support in favour of terrorists and against Israel. Institutions like the CIJR and especially its Baruch Cohen Internship program give a voice to pro-Israel beleaguered Jewish students like me. Moreover, under the mentorship of Prof. Frederick Krantz, CIJR's Academic Fellows, and CIJR Publications Editor Machla Abramovitz, we are guided in the study of relevant historical texts, and taught how to research and best communicate significant current issues, to unite in safeguarding the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
