Where Does The Jewish Community’s Relationship With The Trudeau Government Stand?

To navigate this relationship going forward, I think that it’s important for us to own our end of the partnership. 

First, I would argue that based on Jewish history, including the Holocaust, it is difficult for our community to be fully trusting of government actions, especially after that trust is tarnished. I am hopeful that through this Envoy, more Canadians will become aware of key aspects of Jewish history and that governments will become more sensitive to the caution  inherent in our trust. ​

It is also important that our community be empowered and know our worth. We are worth simultaneously having our past recognized, and our future protected. Grassroots community members deserve greater opportunities for direct engagement with government officials, as a complement to the commendable advocacy work that many organizations engage in on behalf of our community as a whole. We should feel supported unreservedly, without grounds for doubt in the government’s intentions. 

Finally, it is important to remind ourselves of the inextricable link between the Holocaust, antisemitism, and the modern State of Israel. Israel’s founding and continued vitality represents a safe haven for Jews around the world. Therefore, any attempts to recognize the impacts of the Holocaust and antisemitism are half-hearted, without support for the State of Israel. This is the message that we should continue to convey to our elected officials and to our neighbours.

In sum, the Jewish community’s relationship with the Government of Canada is both complex and critical, and vice versa. Despite challenges, we must not walk away, and we trust that our partners likewise engage in good faith. Let’s continue striving for better.