FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jewish Organizations Condemn Protests Targeting Jewish Community Centre
Vancouver, April 1, 2025 – The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) Pacific Region, and the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (JCC) strongly condemn the recent protest outside the JCC, where protestors wrongly assumed the Israeli Consul was present. Despite being informed otherwise, they continued their activities, turning a community space into the target of an alarming and unacceptable demonstration. This incident represents an assault on the Jewish community within a space that should remain safe and secure for all.
While we support freedom of expression, we cannot allow the normalization of protests that target community institutions. This demonstration appears to be a direct act of intimidation on Jewish community members. The safety and security of our community members, including seniors, children and families who have no connection to broader geopolitical issues, is of utmost importance. Such actions amount to collective punishment, are entirely unacceptable, and must be denounced outright.
Ethno-cultural institutions must not be targeted, and the Jewish population should not be held responsible for the actions of any foreign government. We are grateful for the swift response of the Vancouver Police Department and our security team in addressing this concerning situation.
These protests must not set a precedent. Targeting Jewish individuals in a community space violates the fundamental principles of respect and coexistence. We urge community leaders, elected officials, and allies to denounce these actions and ensure that community spaces remain safe for all.
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About Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver is the central planning, convening, facilitating, and fundraising organization for the local Jewish community. Through the Federation Annual Campaign, special project funding, and the Jewish Community Foundation, the Jewish Federation generates the funds needed to meet community needs today, tomorrow and for years to come. Jewish Federation works collaboratively with more than three dozen partner organizations, unifying their work. Together, we touch the lives of thousands of community members locally, in our partnership region in Israel, and around the world.
About Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, representing Jewish Federations across Canada. CIJA is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and protect Jewish life in Canada through advocacy and to advance the public policy interests of Canada’s organized Jewish community.
About Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver
The Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver provides leadership in cultural, recreational, educational, and social activities, enabling individuals and families to achieve and enhance a positive identification with Jewish life and Israel, and to develop good citizenship and a sense of community.