University of Toronto held a private event to help Jews heal from antisemitism. Two attendees reveal what happens in a ‘restorative circle’

Alex Rose and Jacqueline Dressler talk to Ellin Bessner.
Hillel U of T
University of Toronto student Alex Rose (left), and Hillel’s advocacy manager Jacqueline Dressler. (Submitted photos)

In the wake of the damning report by Dr. Ayelet Kuper about antisemitism at the University of Toronto’s Temerty medical school, the UofT anti-racism office hosted a “restorative circle” for Jewish students and staff.

The unusual event on Jan. 23 saw Hillel’s UofT branch meet with about 25 people, via Zoom, where participants were asked to share their experiences with antisemitism, and then work on ways to get past it—and to find joy in being Jewish.

It’s a small but important step, say both Hillel and the UofT, in the overall effort to take antisemitism as seriously as it takes other forms of racism.

So what was it like? Did it help?

To find out more, Hillel’s facilitator, Jacqueline Dressler, joins The CJN Daily, plus we speak to a student who attended: Alex Rose, who is also a former reporter for The CJN.

What we talked about:.

Credits

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Zachary Kauffman is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We’re a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To subscribe to this podcast, please watch this video. Donate to The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt by clicking here.

Author

Support Our Mission: Make a Difference!

The Canadian Jewish News is now a Registered Journalism Organization (RJO) as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency. To help support the valuable work we’re doing, we’re asking for individual monthly donations of at least $10. In exchange, you’ll receive tax receipts, a thank-you gift of our quarterly magazine delivered to your door, and our gratitude for helping continue our mission. If you have any questions about the donating process, please write to [email protected].

Support the Media that Speaks to You

Jewish Canadians deserve more than social media rumours, adversarial action alerts, and reporting with biases that are often undisclosed. The Canadian Jewish News proudly offers independent national coverage on issues that impact our audience each day, as a conduit for conversations that bridge generations. 

It’s an outlet you can count on—but we’re also counting on you.

Please support Jewish journalism that’s creative, innovative, and dedicated to breaking new ground to serve your community, while building on media traditions of the past 65 years. As a Registered Journalism Organization, contributions of any size are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.