January 9,2015
Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA is shocked and saddened by last week's terror attacks in Paris that killed many innocent people - 13 at the office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, including one police officer, and four Jewish victims at the attack on the kosher supermarket. The continuing targeting of Jews and Jewish institutions is a sign of the rising threat level facing the Jewish community worldwide.
The strong and vibrant French Jewish community was shaken, but they were not silenced. Nor was the community at large. On Sunday, over 3.5 million citizens gathered in rallies across France to stand against violent extremism and terrorism.
Historically and culturally, the Jewish and national communities of Canada and France are inextricably connected. This connection was demonstrated in Montreal and Toronto, where on Sunday thousands of people gathered in support and solidarity. This was a strong message to the French community that they are not alone. On January 14th, The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), together with UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, will hold a memorial for the victims.
As a global Jewish community, we share a collective reality that includes a constant threat of antisemitic and terrorist attacks. As a strong and connected people, we support each other in times of crisis. It is our shared responsibility to do what we can to ensure the safety and security of all our people.
Our international partners, in coordination with the Prime Minister's Office (Israel) and the Service de protection de la Communauté Juive (SPCJ France), have indicated that while the French government has mobilized troops throughout the country, critical support is still needed to safeguard local Jewish institutions, schools and synagogues against further attack and to provide immediate and ongoing relief to victims of terror. Click here to donate today.
Sadly, last week's targeted attacks were not isolated incidents. Multiple incidents in recent years, including the 2012 Toulouse school attack and other violent actions against individuals, have resulted in increased immigration to Israel, due in large part to concerns over the personal security of French Jewry. The Jewish agency is predicting a significant spike in Aliyah in 2015.
Today, our heartfelt prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of all the recent victims of terror in Paris. Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA and the Canadian Jewish community stands in support and solidarity with our fellow Jews across France.
Letter of Support from Chair & CEO of JFC-UIA to Jewish community of France
News spot on UJA Toronto’s event
http://www.citynews.ca/2015/01/14/torontos-jewish-community-honours-paris-terror-attack-victims/
Montreal’s federation CJA
http://www.cjnews.com/news/canadians-rally-french-jews-after-attacks
Press release from Winnipeg Federation