About Israel

The Canadian Zionist Federation provides Israel education and engagement programs to Jewish communities in Canada

The Canadian Zionist Federation is an umbrella organization of Zionist groups in Canada associated with the World Zionist Organization. The CZF strengthens the connection between Canadian Jews and Israel, through education programs, seminars and cultural events. The CZF strives to be a relevant and active address for Zionist activity throughout Canada, and particularly in smaller communities.

WZO ELECTION IN CANADA

While the US is now voting for WZO delegates, the Canadian Zionist Federation has not yet determined the method nor dates for any potential election of delegates. The CZF will inform our members and friends when this information is available.

IHRA Non-Legally Binding Working Definition of Antisemitism

Adopted by the IHRA Plenary in Bucharest – 26 May 2016

In the spirit of the Stockholm Declaration that states: "With humanity still scarred by …antisemitism and xenophobia the international community shares a solemn responsibility to fight those evils”, the Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial called the IHRA Plenary in Budapest 2015 to adopt the following working definition of antisemitism.

On 26 May 2016, the Plenary in Bucharest decided to:

Adopt the following non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism:

"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

To guide IHRA in its work, the following examples may serve as illustrations:

Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for "why things go wrong.” It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action, and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.

Contemporary examples of antisemitism

Examples in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:

- Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.

- Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective—such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.

- Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

- Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g., gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).

- Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.

- Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.

- Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.

- Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

- Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.

- Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

- Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

Antisemitic acts are criminal when they are so defined by law (for example, denial of the Holocaust or distribution of antisemitic materials in some countries).

Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property—such as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries—are selected because they are, or are perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.

Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others and is illegal in many countries.

Canadian Jewish Groups Condemn Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Support for International Criminal Court Rulings Against Israel

Canadian Jewish groups Ameinu Canada, ARZA Canada, Canadian Forum of Russian-Speaking Jewry, Canadian Zionist Federation, Herut Canada, Likud Canada, Mercaz Canada, have today strongly condemned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's declaration to abide by the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to issue warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant on charges of crimes against humanity. This stance not only undermines Canada’s longstanding commitment to a fair and balanced approach in the Middle East but also threatens to exacerbate tensions and deepen divisions.

The allegations of crimes against humanity are grave and require thorough investigation, yet the premature endorsement of such rulings by the Canadian government raises serious concerns about the impartiality of the ICC and the potential politicization of justice. We believe that any allegations of war crimes or crimes against humanity should be approached with rigorous scrutiny and a commitment to due process.

Canada has always prided itself on being a nation that values human rights, justice, and peace. By aligning with the ICC's controversial rulings, the Trudeau government risks alienating an important ally in the fight against extremism and undermining diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering peace in a region long plagued by conflict.

We call upon Prime Minister Trudeau to reconsider this position and to advocate for a balanced approach that prioritizes dialogue, diplomacy, and a commitment to human rights for all parties involved. Canada must seek to promote peace and understanding rather than taking sides in a complex geopolitical situation.

We urge all Canadians to reflect on the implications of this decision and to advocate for a foreign policy that truly aligns with our values of justice, fairness, and mutual respect.

November 22, 2024

The Canadian Zionist Federation provides Israel education and engagement programs to Jewish communities in Canada

Contemporary examples of antisemitism

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The Canadian Zionist Federation provides Israel education and engagement programs to Jewish communities in Canada

Contemporary examples of antisemitism

Happening Now and Upcoming Events

NOVA Music Festival Exhibition

NOVA Music Festival Exhibition

Yom HaZikaron Memorial Day Ceremony

Yom HaZikaron Memorial Day Ceremony

Yom HaAtzma’ut – Israel Independence Day Celebrations

Yom HaAtzma’ut – Israel Independence Day Celebrations

Jewish Music Week 2025

Jewish Music Week 2025

56th Annual Walk with Israel

56th Annual Walk with Israel

Toronto Jewish Film Festival 2025

Toronto Jewish Film Festival 2025