Great damage has taken place in Israel since the war against Hamas began. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, as the nation prepared to observe the biblical holiday of Simchat Torah. Hamas attacks continue as Israel seeks to support those affected by the war.
Canada is home to many expatriates from Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. In large part, prominent cities like Toronto offer a safe-haven from hostilities happening overseas. However, since the October 7 attacks, there has been in increase in anti-Semitism, and even direct assaults on Jewish communities here in Canada.
Noting great concern over this trend, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated “What we’re seeing, particularly right now with the rise of anti-semitism linked to what’s happening overseas right now, is terrifying and it is something that we absolutely have to act on and we are acting on”
Global News reports “Many Jewish Canadians have said they feel that safety is being compromised, with instances of protesters targeting Jewish-owned businesses, such as bookseller Indigo and at shopping centres, as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues.”
As an organization built on a biblical foundation of unity, we continue to build bridges of understanding through our various programs overseas. For example, in 2023 1,200 children of interfaith backgrounds were supported through our soccer program, which promotes unity, sportsmanship, and tolerance.
