Alberta funding helps combat antisemitism

by AJNews staff

(AJNews) – The Alberta government is pledging funds to the Jewish communities in Calgary and Edmonton to help combat increasing incidents of antisemitism.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, when the Jewish community in Israel faced its largest and most deadly targeted attacks since the Holocaust, antisemitism has been on the rise across Canada and the world. According to Statistics Canada, the Jewish community is the most targeted group for hate crimes in Canada and were the target of 70 per cent of all religion-motivated hate crimes across the country in 2023. B’nai Brith Canada also recently reported an unprecedented 6,219 antisemitic incidents in Canada last year – the highest number ever documented since the organization started its annual audit in 1982.

“With anti-Jewish hate on the rise in Canada and around the world, it is our responsibility to ensure our children learn the lessons of the past and are ready to stand up against hate today,” stated Jason Nixon, Alberta Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “Antisemitism has no place in our communities and must always be unequivocally condemned. To the Jewish community, you are not alone – Alberta’s government stands in solidarity with you against all forms of hate and oppression.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to fight antisemitism, Alberta’s government is investing $200,000 to support the Calgary Jewish Federation and Jewish Federation of Edmonton. Both federations play an important role in educating Albertans about Jewish culture and building a vibrant, engaged and connected Jewish community in the province.

“The Jewish Federation of Edmonton extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Alberta for their unwavering support of the Jewish community in the face of an alarming rise in antisemitism,” stated Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO, The Jewish Federation of Edmonton.

“This generous grant is a beacon of hope in fostering resilience among Jewish Albertans. We appreciate the Government of Alberta’s strong commitment to addressing antisemitism and demonstrating leadership on this issue.”

Over the past several years, Alberta’s government has continued to stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism. Holocaust education is now a mandatory component of the Alberta’s social studies curriculum and Alberta’s government formally endorses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. A variety of programs and supports have also been introduced to help fight hate and bias-motivated crimes across the province. This includes law enforcement resources such as the Hate Crime Coordination Unit and funding for security improvements and risk mitigation so Albertans can gather and worship in peace.

“Calgary Jewish Federation is deeply grateful to the Government of Alberta for this important support in combating antisemitism,” stated Rob Nagus, CEO, Calgary Jewish Federation. “This grant is not only an investment in the safety and well-being of our community, but also a clear statement that hate and intolerance have no place in our province.”

This investment supports the federations’ efforts to fight antisemitism through education and promotion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. This includes scholarships, educational and training materials for teachers and students, engagement sessions with government and law enforcement agencies, and an Alberta conference focused on antisemitism.

“We are pleased to see this meaningful commitment from the Government of Alberta to stand with the Jewish community and support the Calgary and Edmonton Jewish Federations,” added Richard Marceau, vice president, external communications and general counsel, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. “At a time of rising antisemitism, we must all work together to ensure Alberta remains a safe and welcoming place for Jewish life to thrive. We thank the Government of Alberta for their ongoing support.”

Albertans are encouraged to report antisemitic incidents to B’nai Brith Canada’s Anti-Hate Hotline at 1-844-218-2624, reportanincident@bnaibrith.ca, through the Anti-Hate app, or by visiting its website.