Ya’ara Saks on Jewish emancipation and modern challenges

A screenshot from the Heritage Minute commemorating Jewish emancipation in 1932. (Courtesy YouTube/Historica Canada)

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On June 5, 1832—189 years ago this weekend—the Canadian legislative assembly in Lower Canada granted full civil rights to people of the Jewish faith. The move was hugely important because it granted emancipation to Canada’s Jews well before most other parts of the British Empire followed suit.

It’s not a very popular anniversary, but it’s one worth remembering. Today, Ellin chats with the newest Jewish member of Parliament, Ya’ara Saks of Toronto, about how far Canadian Jews have come and the current challenges the community faces.

What we talked about:

  • Read “Toronto mayor condemns anti-Semitism, makes it focus of public education campaign” at thecjn.ca
  • Watch the Heritage Minute on Ezekiel Hart and Papineau on YouTube

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. Find more great Jewish podcasts at thecjn.ca.