We begin this special two-part episode of our exploration of the Jewish Canadian Experience with a discussion focused on a few facts and common misconceptions about Jewish people in Canada. We also make connections between historical perspectives and current trends, including a troubling rise in antisemitism in Canada. Release Date: November 8, 2022
In Part 2, we’ll explore the history of Jewish settlement in Canada and their ongoing fight against antisemitism. We’ll also introduce you to people such as, Ezekial Hart, whose win in an 1807 Quebec by-election resulted in a battle to be allowed to take his seat in the legislature. His fight brought about Jewish people being seen as equal in the eyes of the law in Canada. The Jewish Canadian experience is rich and diverse, but it is also fraught with racist policy and action towards this long-settled community. This introduction is meant to give us starting points to learning more of the incredible contributions of our Jewish family, friends and neighbours. Release Date: November 11, 2022
RESOURCES
Judaism: Are Jews a Nation or a Religion? (Jewish Virtual Library)
Is a Jew Who Converts Still Jewish? (Chabad.org)
Jewish Canadians (Canadian Encyclopedia)
Mizrahi Jews in Israel (MyJewishLearning.com)
Types of Jews (MyJewishLearning.com)
What is Judaism? (Canadian Textbook Content; pdf)
Antisemitism in Canada (Canadian Encyclopedia)
Aaron Philip Hart (JewAge.org)
Ezekiel Hart (Dictionary of Canadian Biography)
Ezekiel Hart (Canadian Encyclopedia)
Jewish Roots in Quebec (Federation CJA)
Jewish Colonization Association History (CJA)
Ezekiel Hart and the emancipation of Canada’s Jews (Canadian Jewish News)
Canada Virtual Jewish History Tour (Jewish Virtual Library)
Pogroms (Holocaust Encyclopedia)
B’nai Brith (Organization Website)
Jacques-Édouard Plamondon (Dictionary of Canadian Biography)
Antisemitism in Canada during the World War II era (Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies)
Christie Pits Riot (Canadian Encyclopedia)
Pre-apology for the St. Louis, a look at Canada’s former determination to keep Jews out (Canadian Jewish News)
Canada and the issue of racism (1984; Maclean’s Magazine)
Hate at the Top (Canada, A People’s History)
Documenting Numbers of Victims of the Holocaust and Nazi Persecution (Holocaust Encyclopedia)
Statement of apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to the passengers of the MS St. Louis (Government of Canada)