Letters to the editor (Dec. 29 issue)
Letters to the editor for the week of Dec. 29, 2016
Elections official OKs graphic anti-Israel signs
Jewish groups are disappointed by a decision that graphic political signs accusing Israel of murder posted around Montreal do not violate the Canada Elections Act
Candidates clash in lively York Centre tilt
TORONTO — It was a raucous night Oct. 1 at Adath Israel Congregation, where the federal candidates in York Centre riding squared off in a spirited debate.
Most of the two-hour affair, during which the audience had to be admonished several times to keep a civil tone, centred on Israel, anti-Semitism and terrorism. The evening was sponsored by B’nai Brith Canada.
Parties court Jewish vote in Winnipeg South Centre
WINNIPEG — It looks increasingly like the riding of Winnipeg South Centre – the Winnipeg riding with the largest number of Jewish voters – will once again have a Jewish Liberal representative in Ottawa after a four-year hiatus.
Thornhill hopefuls face off over Jewish issues
TORONTO — At an all-party debate for Thornhill candidates, Conservative incumbent Peter Kent, Liberal candidate Nancy Coldham and NDP candidate Lorne Cherry addressed issues important to the Jewish community, including the economy, Canada’s relationship with Israel, Iran’s nuclear deal and the rise in anti-Semitism and terrorism.
The Sept. 30 event, sponsored by B’nai Brith Canada and held at the Sephardic Kehilla Centre, attracted more than 200 people who gathered to hear from the candidates in advance of the Oct. 19 federal election.
Liberals, NDP target finance minister in CIJA debate
TORONTO — A debate featuring representatives of the three major parties got a little feisty on Wednesday as the New Democratic Party and Liberal candidates took turns targeting Conservative Finance Minister Joe Oliver on issues of economic performance, anti-terrorism legislation and support for Israel.
But Oliver gave as good as he got, questioning the Liberals’ past record of voting against Israel at the United Nations and pointing out the NDP had some “problematic” members running in the election.
Comments about Jewish issues dog NDP candidates
Two NDP hopefuls found themselves in hot water this week after old social media comments surfaced that critics said exposed the candidates’ ignorance of Jewish issues.
What to expect from the CIJA/UJA-hosted federal election debate
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto are hosting a federal election debate this Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Warehouse event venue in Toronto. The debate will begin at 7:30 p.m, and will be moderated by The CJN’s editor-in-chief Yoni Goldstein.
CIJA, Jordan co-operate on refugee aid plan
As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, neighbouring countries have been flooded with refugees, 1.4 million in the case of Jordan alone. Amounting to 21 per cent of the country’s population, the influx has taxed the resources of the desert kingdom. But Jordan may be getting relief courtesy of a Canadian Jewish organization.
UPDATED: Federation CJA pulls ‘humorous’ blog post after complaints
Federation CJA pulled and subsequently apologized for what was intended to be a humorous article it sponsored on a popular information website after some young Jewish adults found it offensive.
“10 Realities of Having a Jewish Best Friend in Montreal” appeared on MTLBlog, a commercial site aimed mainly at young people, roughly from Sept. 1 to 4.
The post had the byline Synden Hope-Johnston, and it was about the supposed benefits of having a Jewish best friend.
