In the fight against anti-Semitism, be an 'Upstander', not a Bystander

Canadian allies of the Jewish community are looking for language and resources in the fight against antisemitism. I recently attended g a webinar hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver where CEO Ezra Shaken and Deborah Lyons (PM Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism) spoke about the rise of antisemitism and provided resources published by her Office for the public to reference. Her Office published the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, which does not present any binding directive; instead providing definitions, examples, and logistical and interpretive context that frames our approach to the current hostilities to a nation, and its nation-state. On the international stage, Lyons endorsed the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism on Canada's behalf. It outlines practices and guidelines for policy-making in response to the rise of global antisemitism such as denouncing and depoliticizing antisemitism, educating and engaging the public, and protecting Jewish communities. Although the Guidelines are also not legally binding, these resources allow Canadian allies to familiarize themselves with policy initiatives that have come as a response from the Jewish community and their allies.

Allies can act as 'upstanders, not bystanders', and 'speak up and speak out' in support of the Jewish community using resources such as community speaker events at JFGV, visiting exhibitions at the VHEC, and many more options the community has to offer. They offer insightful access to a beautiful community in these difficult times.