Trudeau Offers Apology Amid Nazi Controversy
September 27, 2023
Poland Seeks Extradition of Yaroslav Hunka
Menu
Popular Articles
Read More »
On Its 50th Anniversary Of Yom Kippur War, Revisionist Historians Strike
September 27, 2023
Unveiling How Henry Kissinger Hindered Israel’s Preemptive Strike During Yom Kippur War
The Power of Revenge: WWII Commandos Who Fought Nazis
September 27, 2023
Unveiling the True Story of Jewish Volunteers Who Sought Retribution Against the Nazis
Confronting Canada’s Nazi Problem
September 27, 2023
The recent controversy in Canada’s Parliament has shed light on a long-standing issue with Nazi sympathizers in the country.
Israeli Cabinet Member Receives Warm Welcome In Riyadh
September 27, 2023
“There is a delegation here in the country for the first time. I hope they were received well. Welcome,” said Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb.
12,000 Participate In Unity Race Honoring Israel’s Fallen Druze Soldiers
September 27, 2023
Israeli Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff Join the Event Celebrating Druze Contributions to Society
‘Long Overdue,’ Israel Is First In Middle East In US Visa Waiver Program
September 27, 2023
Many are hailing Israel’s admission as historic, while critics say that Washington’s strict requirements could compromise Israeli security.
Club Z Stands On The Frontlines Of Israel Activism On Both Coasts
September 27, 2023
“For me and my fellow Jewish students, Israel-hating rhetoric and Jewish-hating rhetoric feels the same because they are the same: Both are anti-Semitism,” said Joey Karlan, Club Z alumnus.
Israel’s Debut At Invictus Games: A Triumph Of Resilience And Medals
September 27, 2023
Israeli athletes from Beit Halochem shine, winning 14 medals in their first appearance at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Melton And Jewish Deaf Resource Center Partner To Expand Access To Adult Jewish Learning
September 27, 2023
Online courses in American Sign Language, led by the world’s first female Deaf rabbi, aim to make Jewish learning more inclusive.
“When great allies like Israel and Canada work together, incredible things can happen”
- 29 June 2022
- 10:10 pm
Click an icon above to share, email, or save this article
- 29 June 2022
- 10:10 pm
The recent Canadian Summit of Israeli Jewish-Affairs has reinforced the intention of the Israeli embassy to tackle and confront antisemitism and anti-Zionism with the continued support of the Canadian Jewish community. (Photo: Supplied)
Click an icon above to share, email, or save this article
(His Excellency, Dr. Ronen Hoffman, has contributed the following introduction to the readers of TheJ.ca on the occasion of Canada Day.)
It has been a whirlwind six months.
When I arrived for my posting as Israel’s Ambassador to Canada last December, just in time for Hanukkah, I had many goals in mind for strengthening relations between our two nations. I had a staff to meet, stakeholders and community leaders to hear from, and ideas to implement. I came here excited for this new journey, joined by my partner Dr. Michal Arad, our son Tomer, our dog Panda and cat Brexit.
My background has served me well in my short time as an Ambassador, from academia to politics, my passion has always been international relations and innovation through education; this has been no different in my current role.
Israel’s relationship to Canada is unique. While we certainly differ in terms of climates, we could not be more aligned in our desires to ramp up our technological sector, research and development, and further groundbreaking innovation. These are foundational bilateral similarities that our missions in Canada (The Embassy in Ottawa and our consulates in Toronto and Montreal) are taking advantage of and trying to create real, positive and effective change to better our societies.
I highlighted this, among similar sentiments, at The Canadian Summit of Israeli Jewish-Affairs that took place this past May. This summit, spearheaded by our embassy and in partnership with the consulates, had the goal of bringing together leaders, activists and community members from all across Canada to discuss the successes, challenges and opportunities of Canadian Jewish communities and their relationship with Israel on a national scale.
The summit was an extremely fruitful endeavor. With our participants and speakers gathered from all different backgrounds and experiences, we were able to conduct a broad range of discussions that provided a space to exchange ideas for the future.
As was expected, the summit underscored the existential importance of rallying the Jewish community together to combat not only antisemitism in its traditional manifestations but also in its modern metamorphosis AKA anti-zionism. As these issues go hand in hand, the Israeli embassy is looking for the continued support of the Canadian Jewish community to confront and tackle these ongoing – and growing – sentiments.
Get thej.ca a Pro Israel Voice by Email. Never miss a top story that effects you, your family & your community
Israel’s right to exist as the nation state of the Jewish people, as well as Israel’s right to defend itself from threats near and far, should never be up for debate. Unfortunately, we see Israel’s mere existence becoming a debatable subject: from local politics to trolls spewing vitriol on social media.
We have to fight back against these antisemitic narratives wherever we see them.
The State of Israel and I, as its representative in Canada, understand the importance of working with allies and partners in the various Jewish communities as well as in the general Canadian public to ensure that these paradigms never shift here in Canada. Indeed, so many core Israeli values are also Canadian values; these ideological tenets emphasize the depth of our commonalities. Our liberal democratic values of equality, human rights, freedom of speech, press, religion, rule of law, and more show just how far our relationship can go to make incredible things happen.
When great allies like Israel and Canada work together, incredible things can happen. Thus, in reflecting on my first six months here and looking ahead to the rest of my term, I feel there are three essential avenues that merit our full cooperation, the first of which ties in with our reflections for Canada Day.
All year round, but especially in the lead up to Canada Day, many Canadians celebrate the independence of their beautiful and prosperous country while simultaneously confronting current national challenges. I know that one of these issues is that of reconciliation with Indigenous people, and the important work involved in listening to and collaborating with First Nations all across the country.
Dr. Ronen Hoffman is seen presenting his credentials to Canada’s Governor General, the Rt. Hon. Mary Simon in Ottawa, December 7, 2021. (Photo: Supplied)
I am proud that our embassy has met with First Nation leadership and are taking concrete steps to assist in addressing some of their most pressing challenges. In the spring, we helped facilitate a water-tech showcase by inviting the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations of Saskatchewan and Israel Export to present nearly a dozen Israeli companies innovating in clean water technology.
In an attempt to improve water quality and access in First Nations communities, we aim to secure the resources to facilitate a pilot project that seeks solutions-based partnerships to combat these current circumstances. Bridging Israeli and Canadian groups together to help one another has never been so needed, and so feasible.
The second area we see endless opportunities in is Tikkun Olam, (repairing the world). I believe that joint initiatives between Israeli and Canadian youth would not only be beneficial for camps and other youth centred organizations, but for all of us, in terms of ushering in the next generation of Zionist leadership and Israel advocacy.
Israeli Ambassador, Dr. Ronen Hoffman, is seen lighting the menorah for Chanukah. (photo: Supplied)
Finally, one of the most important things we can do is venture outside our community and outstretch our hand to find allies and partners that diverge from our typical network. Reaching out to new areas of Canadian society will posit tough conversations, but ultimately, make our missions more receptive and resilient.
If we are strategic and steadfast in our implementation of these goals, I know that the Canada-Israel friendship will thrive. The many Jewish and Israeli communities across Canada – both large and small – play an integral role in supporting Canada’s ties with Israel.
With the profound honour and opportunity that accompanies my ambassadorship, I look forward to continuing working alongside the various Jewish communities and our Canadian allies.
Happy Canada Day.
His excellency Dr. Ronen Hoffman is the Ambassador of Israel in Canada. He served as a member of Israel’s Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee and was Personal Assistant to the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin during his political campaign.
Click an icon above to share, email, or save this article
Click an icon above to share, email, or save this article
Read More
Thank you for choosing TheJ.Ca as your source for Canadian Jewish News.
We do news differently!
Our positioning as a Zionist News Media platform sets us apart from the rest. While other Canadian Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas, TheJ.Ca is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.
We revealed the incursion of anti-Israel progressive elements such as IfNotNow into our communities. We have exposed the distorted hateful agenda of the “progressive” left political radicals who brought Linda Sarsour to our cities, and we were first to report on many disturbing incidents of Nazi-based hate towards Jews across Canada.
But we can’t do it alone. We need your HELP!
Our ability to thrive and grow in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters like you.
Monthly support is a great way to help us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make to support Jewish Journalism.
We thank you for your ongoing support.
Happy reading!
Thank you for choosing TheJ.Ca as your source for Canadian Jewish News.
We do news differently!
Our positioning as a Zionist News Media platform sets us apart from the rest. While other Canadian Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas, TheJ.Ca is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.
We revealed the incursion of anti-Israel progressive elements such as IfNotNow into our communities. We have exposed the distorted hateful agenda of the “progressive” left political radicals who brought Linda Sarsour to our cities, and we were first to report on many disturbing incidents of Nazi-based hate towards Jews across Canada.
But we can’t do it alone. We need your HELP!
Our ability to thrive and grow in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters like you.
Monthly support is a great way to help us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make to support Jewish Journalism.
We thank you for your ongoing support.
Happy reading!
Sponsored Content
cOMING SOON…….
Breaking News
Recent
Features
News
Current Events
Opinions
Politics
Religion
Culture
Memoriam and Obituaries
PodcastS
Subscribe Now
Receive the latest in community & international Jewish news direct to your inbox