Zach Hyman reflects on Jewish Identity, Antisemitism and Resilience at FSWC event in Toronto

by FSWC

(Toronto) – On August 20, more than 250 community members came together at Toronto’s Congregation Habonim for an engaging evening of unity, inspiration and reflection, featuring Toronto native and one of Canada’s top Jewish professional athletes, Zach Hyman.

Hosted by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) and moderated by renowned Canadian sports journalist Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers high-scoring forward shared insights into his remarkable hockey journey, the challenges he has overcome and the lessons he has learned both on and off the ice. Hyman also spoke candidly about the importance of his Jewish identity and his experiences with and concerns about the alarming rise of antisemitism, particularly on social media.

“When I grew up, we always learned about the Holocaust,” said Hyman. “My grandparents were Holocaust survivors, but it was a little distant for our generation… We grew up in a little bit of a bubble of Jewish community and antisemitism not being as prevalent. A lot of us took what our grandparents said with a grain of salt.”

“Now, October 7 happens, and you’re like, oh my gosh, they were right,” he continued. “This is a reality, this is what we’re dealing with. Combine that with social media being a cesspool of misinformation and hate, and now you’re scared sometimes to walk around.”

Hyman shared how his Jewish identity helped instill in him a thick skin from an early age, giving him the strength to withstand criticism and overcome challenges throughout his NHL career, which began when he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016. He became a top-tier player after becoming a member of the Edmonton Oilers in 2021.

The conversation resonated deeply with the audience, bridging generations and appealing to both avid hockey fans and those simply inspired by Hyman’s values and commitment to giving back to the community. His words served as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, responsibility and standing strong in the face of hate.

FSWC extends its gratitude to Zach Hyman, Elliotte Friedman and everyone who joined us for the impactful event.

‍

‍