Open letter to the government of Canada regarding the situation in Ukraine
February 18, 2022
Russia has invaded Ukraine. What are alternatives to a military response?
March 1, 2022
CFSC is deeply concerned by rising hate movements in Canada and other countries, an issue we’ve spoken out on for years. A section of our book Are We Done Fighting? is dedicated to covering research about countering hate and extremist ideologies. The book also shares multiple stories of creative actions by groups who’ve succeeded in addressing hate nonviolently. But this is a challenging area as there is no one pathway into hate and so no one-size-fits-all program for addressing it.
Hate movements in Canada have multiple targets including Jewish people. While unequivocally condemning antisemitism, we’ve also expressed our concerns with the confusing and deeply flawed IHRA working definition. CFSC has decided to use the clearer and more meaningful Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism. Its website explains:
The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism is a tool to identify, confront and raise awareness about antisemitism as it manifests in countries around the world today. It includes a preamble, definition, and a set of 15 guidelines that provide detailed guidance for those seeking to recognize antisemitism in order to craft responses. It was developed by a group of scholars in the fields of Holocaust history, Jewish studies, and Middle East studies to meet what has become a growing challenge: providing clear guidance to identify and fight antisemitism while protecting free expression.
Also see this statement from multiple anti-Zionist Jewish organizations that expressed both support for, and some concerns with, the Jerusalem Declaration.
