Clearview asked to fight antisemitism
Clearview Township has been asked to formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. In a presentation to council on Monday, Rashell Feldman, chairman and co-founder of the South Georgian Bay Jewish Community (SGBJC) said the first step toward combatting antisemitism is to agree on a what it is.
The IHRA defines antisemitism as “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.”
Feldman says adoption of the definition is an essential step toward creating a sense of safety and belonging for members of the Jewish community. She lives in Collingwood with her husband and five children, and says antisemitism does exist in our area.
“There is an actual threat to safety. My kids have seen swastikas painted on the walls of a locker room at CCI (Collingwood Collegiate Institute) and been subjected to hateful antisemitic rhetoric. Last fall, during Rosh Hashanah, a swastika was painted on a sidewalk on Pine Street,” said Feldman.
She says this goes beyond making fun of a particular group, and that her children are afraid. She cited research from the Simon Wiesenthal Center that there has been a 192 per cent increase in antisemitic activity in the Greater Toronto Area in the past year.
Deputy Mayor Paul Staveren said that while he agrees with the intent of Feldman’s request, he doesn’t think it goes far enough.
“We should not be focussing just on antisemitism or xenophobia. We should be taking a stand against bullying in general and increasing tolerance for all religions,” he said.
The City of Barrie has already adopted the IHRA definition. Collingwood and the Town of the Blue Mountains have indicated they will consider the SGBJC request. Clearview Township staff has been asked to prepare a motion for council’s consideration.
Feldman and her husband launched the South Georgian Bay Jewish Community group in November, and membership currently sits at about 300. More information is available at SGBJC.ca.
