‘JOYCOTT ISRAEL’ Can Ignite Your Spark of Activism

 Since then, my activism over the years focused on the random arguments with people about the legality of Israel, but it stayed pretty much dormant since I was busy with family and life. 

 Last year, though, the spark finally came back, and the activist in me arose. After reading about the rise of anti-Semitism around the world, I became afraid, and frustrated, at what was happening. This reminded me of the events that took place in the years preceding the Holocaust. 

 What could I do to stop this? I was just a regular citizen, I thought. I was going to do what I could to make a difference.

I started a Facebook group (and later, an organization) named Jews Against Antisemitism Canada, where Jews nationwide could discuss antisemitic acts happening in our communities, and what we could do to stop them. 

 In December 2019, I created from scratch the Anti-Semitism Toolbox speaker series, which brought together various Jewish organizations and expert speakers. The goal was simple: If we had the tools to educate and defend, it would be a good start. Two months later I brought in social media sensation and charismatic Israel advocate Rudy Rochman to Toronto. This talk attracted young and old, to a packed house. The overall feedback was that Rochman left everyone energized to defend Israel.