|
|
|
|
| The clarion call to dignity |
|
 The human condition seems to lend itself to accepting adversity over joy. We all too often look for the worst instead of the best. It is the old cup being half-full or half-empty. This came to mind most recently as CJC convened its AGM in Ottawa on June 22, 2008. That day our keynote speaker was National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Phil Fontaine. It was indeed serendipitous that Chief Fontaine addressed us at this time a mere 10 days after Prime Minister Harper on behalf of all Canadians expressed the country's sorrow and aplolgized for the blight of the Residential schools.
And of course Chief Fontaine spoke of the Residential schools. With profound passion he painted a picture of the hurt associated with an attempt to murder one's culture. With a pain so stark it brought some to tears he reminded us (and Jews need little reminding) of the emotional damage endured by First Nations when the state apprehended their children, many never to be seen again. He spoke of losing historical languages and attempts to obliterate memory.
But Chief Fontaine, with the dignity of the brave, rose above the pain to speak with appreciation of the road traveled by the First Nations and the Canadian Jewish community over the last five years. He reminisced about the jointly led trip of CJC leaders and AFN Chiefs to Israel a few years back. He marveled at what he took from this trip, the commonalities in our histories; the fact that we were both aboriginal peoples with a love for our ancestral lands. He spoke of the assistance we gave his people in helping to preserve First Nations languages of which only three (Cree, Mohawk and Ojibway) of almost 52 languages are still viable. The Chief noted the success of the Jewish people in restoring our ancient language and modernizing it with the establishment of a modern Jewish state.
The Chief ended his address by embracing the concept that the First Nations people and the Jewish people share so many commonalities that we need to continue to travel roads of understanding and offer support to each other.
Following his address Co-Presidents Rabbi Reuven Bulka and Sylvain Abitbol along with CEO Bernie M. Farber presented Chief Fontaine with a shofar. Noted Rabbi Bulka "this shofar represents the clarion call for human dignity; a call to which you responded on behalf of your people. By doing so all Canadians have learned and benefited." Indeed.
Photo: Bernie M. Farber, CEO Canadian Jewish Congress, Rabbi Reuven Bulka, CJC Co-President, National Chief Phil Fontaine and Sylvain Abitbol, CJC Co-President.
|
The Human Promise
Adam Shapiro
|
The genocide in Darfur is complex. It's a situation that most teenagers would rather not spend their time thinking about. But teenagers need to care because the situation in Darfur is beyond political, it is a human problem. People are being murdered, simply because of the color of their skin or what tribe they belong to. I established "The Human Promise" because teenagers realize that we need to decide what kind of world we want to be a part of. We don't need to be interested in 'politics' or 'human rights'. We simply need to have a conscience. Youth is not the future. Youth is now. Do we want to grow into a world where racism still rages strong? Or is it time the youth of this generation, collectively, from every background, steps up, and says that "enough is enough." The conflict in Darfur is the defining moral issue of our generation. The way we react right now will set the tone for the way in which the principles of justice and equality will be understood in our lifetimes.
After being a human issue, Darfur is very much a Jewish issue. Everything I've learnt in my past ten years of Jewish schooling encompasses why it is incumbent upon us to stand up to these atrocities. From biblical commandments, to learning about our people's persecution during the Spanish Inquisition, to the pogroms and the horrors committed during the Holocaust, it becomes evident that we as Jews have a special responsibility to stand up for the plight of the people of Darfur. As awareness spreads about Darfur it resonates with us, Jewish teenagers, very strongly.
In 1944, my grandmother was only sixteen years old when her entire family was murdered in cold blood by the Nazis. While she was deported to Auschwitz, having her teenage life stolen from her, teenagers elsewhere in the world could not have cared less. As genocide was occurring, as teenagers in Auschwitz were being shot, teenagers elsewhere would go on with their daily lives. Now, another genocide is unfolding, and while it may be easier to look away, I cannot. I won't be one of those indifferent teenagers. Our generation understands that we must finally uphold the promise of "never again", lest we dishonour the memories of our ancestors who perished during the Holocaust. Our determination must form a part of their legacy.
The Human Promise is a group of high school students who are uniting to provide aid to Darfuri refugees, especially children. With the help of Canadian Jewish Congress, Quebec Region we promote and provide awareness of the travesty occurring in Darfur. We are a group of global citizens who recognize that it is time for action. We are teenagers who recognize that we have the chance to write our history, in whatever way big or small. We do not want to repeat the same mistakes as generations past. It is up to us to finally uphold the Human Promise. After all, can one human be more human than another?
Photo: Students at the launch of the 'Dollars for Darfur" initiative at JPPS Bialik High School in Montreal
|
Giinawind Hineini - Aboriginal-Jewish Student Exchange Program
Shelley Faintuch |
 Established three years ago, Giinawind Hineini /Friends, Here We Are is an Aboriginal-Jewish cross-cultural exchange program between Southeast Collegiate, an Aboriginal boarding school, and Gray Academy of Jewish Education. Its objectives are to sensitize Jewish and Aboriginal students about each other's cultures and beliefs through face-to-face interaction and common educational projects. When David Ahenakew, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, made his antisemitic comments, both the Aboriginal and Jewish communities became aware of the need to proactively do outreach programs with each other in order to educate and hopefully to eradicate some of the prejudice. Initiated by Shelley Faintuch, Community Relations Director of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and Angela Busch, a teacher at Southeast Collegiate, the program has been incorporated into the curricula at both Gray and Southeast Collegiate. Four half-day visits take place annually: two at Southeast and two at Gray. During the first two years, the program was based on cultural exchanges. Jewish and Aboriginal students led workshops on their holidays, customs, traditional art and music, games and talked about various aspects of their histories and beliefs. This year, a new and exciting program called "Facing History and Ourselves" was incorporated into the curricular element. This program deals with in-depth issues such as cultural identity and historical legacies. Incorporation and implementation was initiated through an in-service for the teachers involved in the program. The students were asked to answer questions about identity issues from the other school and present the answers during the face-to-face exchange visits. Students and teachers have been empowered to talk about themselves. They are now more familiar with each other and less apt to repeat cultural prejudices. In fact, this program has managed to allow students to unburden themselves of some of the "otherness" that has engendered and nurtured prejudice on both sides. Photo: Aboriginal students from Southeast collegiate make "hamentaschen" during first year of program
|
| CJC, QR and the First Nations of Kahnawake Go Green! |
 Before Prime Minister Stephen Harper's solemn apology to Canada's Aboriginals focused our attention on the abuses inflicted upon indigenous children by the residential school system, the subject was rarely discussed by non-natives. More generally, Quebecers are poorly informed about the culture, values and history of our indigenous peoples which do not figure in the current discussion over identity. The indigenous presence in Quebec must be taken into account. The Jewish community has a role to play in ensuring that society does not repeat the mistakes of the past by committing the crime of silence. It's important that Jewish and Aboriginal communities share their experiences and concerns, and learn from one another. It was in this spirit that on June 2nd, Canadian Jewish Congress, Quebec Region (CJCQR) held an evening to mark the start of a common commitment to protecting the environment and reversing the effects of human indifference on our delicate ecosystem. Highlights of the evening included a traditional tree planting ceremony, a speech by Mohawk Grand Chief Michael Delisle Jr. (during which he recalled a CJC, QR organized visit of Holocaust survivors and Jewish War Veterans to his reserve to honour his late father), and a presentation by Nick Huard, a Micmac Indian from Listuguj, Baie des Chaleurs, who is a committed ecologist and internationally recognized artist. The evening was the culmination of several months of collaboration between CJC, QR and leaders of the Iroquois nation and is part of our broader efforts to support the reconciliation process and to combat racism and intolerance in Quebec society. Photo: Mohawk school principal Kevin Deer explains the steps in a traditional native tree planting ceremony. |
Beth Tikvah Case Reaches Conclusion
|
| On April 16, 2007, Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Richmond, BC was defaced with antisemitic graffiti that included racial slurs, swastikas and a picture of a hanging man with the word "Jew" over it, painted on doors, windows and walls. To add insult to injury, the incident occurred on the morning of Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region and Beth Tikvah Synagogue worked closely with the RCMP and the BC Hate Crime Team throughout the investigation. From the outset, it was demonstrated to our community that the incident was being treated very seriously and within the week, the RCMP arrested two male suspects.
On May 20, 2008, Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region attended the sentencing hearing of two young offenders who were charged with mischief motivated by hate of a religious group.
Based on the recommendations by the Crown Counsel, the Judge, who stressed the need to rehabilitate the minors, sentenced the offenders to the following:
- 18 months probation
- Mandatory counseling during their probation period
- 100 hours of community service
- Mandatory attendance at educational programs related to the Holocaust and other
genocides
- A 1000 word essay on intolerance and a formal letter of apology to the Synagogue
- Pay restitution to the Synagogue for the property damage.
Beth Tikvah Congregation and CJCPR welcome the sentences handed down to the two perpetrators. We commend the Judge for recognizing the seriousness of the offense and the Crown Counsel's diligence during this investigation and for recognizing that this type of intolerance is unacceptable.
|
Building named in tribute to Goldberg Family
Joanne Ward-Jerrett
|
 In recognition of the Goldberg family and their advocacy of higher education at Dalhousie, the Faculty of Computer Science building has been officially named in their honour.
The public ceremony took place on Friday, June 20 at the Goldberg Computer Science Building at 6050 University Avenue. Speakers included Dalhousie University President Tom Traves, Jon Goldberg and Seymour Schulich.
The Seymour Schulich Scholarship Fund creates four renewable scholarships in recognition of the Goldberg family's contributions. Two academic merit scholarships and two community service-based scholarships will be awarded to first-year students entering Computer Science at Dalhousie. The value of the scholarships over a five-year period of study is $39,000, making them some of the most generous offered by Dalhousie University.
Seymour Schulich is a renowned Canadian business leader and philanthropist who has donated millions to the cause of higher education in Canada. His gifts have made tremendous contributions to youth and post-secondary education in both Canada and overseas, specifically in Israel.
The Goldberg family arrived in Halifax in 1912 and became active members in the Halifax business community. Many members of the Goldberg family have graduated from Dalhousie since then. They continue to be prominent supporters of the university and of the Halifax community at large.
Photo: L to R are: Tom Traves, President, Dalhousie University, Seymour Schulich and his wife, Tanna Goldberg Schulich, Leonard Goldberg and Victor Goldberg
|
In Memoriam
|
Chuck Zaionz Z"L passed away earlier this month. Chuck was for over 30 years very much the heart and soul of Canadian Jewish Congress. We actually had a nickname for Chuck (it's part of a secret list of such names we keep under lock and key.) We called him Armadillo, and it described Chuck as well as anything, hard on the outside and soft on the inside.
With Chuck what you saw was what you got, and what you got was to the point wisdom mixed with a hard dose of reality. Chuck's understanding of Jewish communal matters was encyclopedic; hence his advice was always well considered. He told you not what you 'wanted' to hear but what you 'had' to hear. As such, he was not the primary candidate to win the Mr. Popularity award but Chuck intrinsically understood that running an advocacy organization was not a popularity contest. It demanded transparency, responsibility and accountability. And Chuck was honest, filled with integrity that would never allow anything but the full picture, warts and all. As such he always had the full respect and admiration of staff and lay leadership alike.
Chuck had a finely-tuned sense of humour that flashed with brilliance. And while he could be tough as nails, professional staff was always keenly aware that he had their best interests at heart while keeping his eye on amcha.
Chuck Zaionz was a model of Jewish volunteerism and leadership. Whether it was CJC, Federation, the Board of Jewish Education or his own shul, Chuck found the time to share his wisdom and savvy. In the Ethics of our Fathers we are told "Do not separate yourself from the community." Chuck Zaionz lived this as a true son of Beit Yisroel.
To his dear wife Ruthie, to his children Elana and Rafi and his grandchildren whom he adored, to his dear brother Bernie and the entire family we offer our deepest condolences. May his memory serve as a blessing.
|
Letters to the Editor
|
Congress Amcha is always interested in your feedback. Please feel free to email your comments or suggestions to jkerbel@on.cjc.ca. We will try to include them in future editions.
| |
|
