Abid Jan

United for All partners are deeply disturbed by the rise in casual and overt antisemitism in local schools, online, and in our communities.

We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, and we recognize the deep-seated harm that is caused when antisemitism goes unchecked, dismissed, and underestimated as a form of discrimination. We condemn this hateful rhetoric in the strongest terms.

As public personalities continue to share and promote Nazi beliefs; as extremist groups sow targeted hatred and violence against Jews; as local Jews face antisemitic slurs and online attacks; and as young people intimidate their peers with swastikas; the result is increased fear and division, with Jews suffering most.

Antisemitism is a scourge on our whole community’s health and wellbeing. Hate tears us apart along racial, ethnic, gender, and religious lines when we should be united in lifting each other up.

Members of the Jewish community deserve to feel safe, respected, and included. A society where the wellbeing of any one group is compromised is not a free and just society for everyone.  

Antisemitism—be it overt hatred toward Jews, or stereotypical misconceptions about Jews as a collective—is insidious and has been made more mainstream in recent months. Our coalition continues to work with the Jewish community, with law enforcement, with support services, and with youth-serving organizations to prevent and address hate in all its forms.

People who peddle hate and violence do not define our vibrant communities. We stand with those who continue to be affected by this rise in antisemitism.

Andrea Freedman
President and CEO
Jewish Federation of Ottawa and Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation