Canadian Jewish leaders have signed an open letter, coordinated by the pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy organization JSpaceCanada, drawing urgent attention to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The letter calls on both the Israeli and Canadian governments to end the war, secure the release of hostages through a negotiated agreement, and immediately increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The statement, endorsed by leaders of progressive Jewish organizations as well as Canadian rabbis, cantors, and community figures, affirms a shared belief: “We are deeply committed to the State of Israel as a Jewish homeland, and believe that both Jews and Palestinians deserve to live in safety, within secure and clearly defined borders.”
“All of our organizations may not always agree on everything,” said JSpaceCanada Executive Director Maytal Kowalski, “but we have come together because our Jewish and Zionist values compel us to speak out—to not let pain and trauma close our hearts to the pursuit of justice, peace, and tikkun olam—repairing the world.”
This letter follows a series of recent actions by Canadian Jewish leaders, including a petition to Members of Parliament organized by JSpaceCanada and a statement from ARZA Canada, the Zionist voice of the Canadian reform movement, calling for immediate humanitarian intervention in Gaza.