December 2024
Jazmin Rymberg

Liberal MPs Anthony Housefather, Filomena Tassi, and Lisa Hepfner engaged with the local Jewish community on Nov. 14 during the Hamilton Jewish Federation’s #NoMoreAntisemitism talks speaker series. An extension of the 2022 conference of the same name, the series tackles the growing issue of global antisemitism and provides a forum to discuss key topics like media bias and community safety. In his role as the federal government’s special advisor on Jewish community relations and antisemitism, Housefather took on questions addressing the community’s most urgent concerns.

After Housefather’s keynote address, audience members shared their concerns about the increasing prevalence of antisemitism in schools and public spaces. Parents highlighted issues in Hamilton high schools, where fear of harassment has compelled many young people to conceal their Jewish identity. Others raised concerns about the exclusion of Jews from Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) initiatives at McMaster University and the University of Guelph. 

The CBC came under fire for consistently giving a platform to anti-Israel perspectives, while Canada’s unions were also called out for allowing anti-Israel propaganda to go unchallenged.

In response to a question about the federal government’s decision to resume funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Housefather explained that while he voted against the decision, the reality is that “most of the world” sees UNRWA as the agency best positioned to administer aid delivery in Gaza. His comment led to Hamilton Jewish Federation’s director of communications, marketing, and public relations, Jazmin Rymberg, posing a broader question to the other two MPs.

“Antisemitism isn’t just a fight for the Jewish community,” she said. “I’d love to hear from all three of you. This is not a battle we can win alone.” 

Minister Tassi responded by affirming her commitment to combating antisemitism and fostering inclusive communities. She further explained that, as a cabinet minister, she was obligated to support the government’s decision on restoring UNRWA funding.  “I try and do the best I can each and every day,” she told the audience. “Am I always getting it right? Probably not. But am I trying as hard as I can? Absolutely.”

Hepfner spoke about her recent experiences on a parliamentary trip to Israel and expressed her solidarity with the Jewish community, particularly after witnessing the events of Oct. 7. 

One of the evening’s most pointed comments came from Loren Lieberman, who said he takes no solace in comparing antisemitism in Canada to antisemitism in other countries.

“I would rather compare ourselves to other communities,” he said. “My grandchildren go to the Hamilton Hebrew Academy. They have never gone to school without armed guards. I don’t know of any other segments of Hamilton’s ethnic communities that can say the same thing. We have generations in this city that have not gone to a synagogue outside of a police presence. Can Muslims say that? Can Buddhists say that?”  

The sense of isolation felt by many Jews in today’s political climate was underscored by Strathcona resident Gillian Creighton, who expressed concerns about her Jewish neighbors feeling let down by NDP Member of Parliament Matthew Green due to his anti-Israel stance. “How can the Jewish community in Strathcona feel safe or supported when they can’t trust their own Member of Parliament to advocate for them?” she questioned.

Housefather responded by emphasized the need for Jewish Canadians to have advocates in all three federal parties.

The evening raised an important issue for the Liberal Party as it prepares for re-election: how can Jewish Canadians feel assured when cabinet members, due to their role within the party, are required to vote in line with government positions on sensitive issues? While Tassi is stepping down from her position, her replacement will also face the same challenge of balancing party loyalty with addressing the concerns of Jewish Canadians and other communities on these critical matters.

Housefather urged the community to maintain its pride as Canadians, stressing the long history of Jewish contributions to the country. However, he also acknowledged that the rise of antisemitism, particularly on social media, has contributed to a sense of fear among many Jewish Canadians.

“There is no benefit to feeling like we can’t leave our house or wear a Star of David,” Housefather said, urging the community to continue engaging with the political system and advocating for their rights. He also pointed out the generational divide, with older Jewish Canadians, who are less active on social media, expressing less concern about antisemitism compared to younger, more digitally connected generations.

The evening underscored the urgency of addressing the challenges facing the Hamilton Jewish community, including rising antisemitism, media bias, and the need for stronger political engagement. While Housefather’s participation in the session was appreciated, his role as the primary spokesperson for the Jewish community left many attendees questioning the lack of participation from the other MPs. The #noMoreAntisemitism talks are made possible through the Milli and Allen Gould Foundation.

The Hamilton Jewish Federation has invited representatives from all three major political parties to address the Jewish community and does not endorse any political party.

Click here to see photos from the event