'Jews Stand Proud': Canada Rallies in Force for Israel and Against Rising Antisemitism (Exclusive)

In a remarkable show of unity and strength, 20,000 Canadians converged on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, December 4, 2023, to participate in a massive pro-Israel and pro-Jewish rally. Waving Israeli flags and demonstrating a collective resolve, these individuals from across the country gathered on the snowy cold day to make a stand against a rising tide of antisemitism and to voice their opposition to the Islamic terrorist group Hamas.

Organized by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the rally served as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish community in Canada. Embracing CIJA’s rallying call, “Now is the time to raise our voice. Join us as we unite and rally in our nation’s capital. For the hostages. For the people of Israel. For the safety of Jewish Canadians,” the attendees echoed an unwavering message of solidarity, safety, and support for the Jewish community, both in Canada and globally.

The event in Ottawa, heralded as historic by local Jewish leaders, witnessed Nicole Amiel, a spokesperson for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), report a significant turnout. Beyond the local supporters, approximately 7,000 individuals were transported from Toronto and another 2,000 from Montreal. Yet, the day was marked by significant challenges. In a development that mirrored past incidents, 17 out of 70 buses designated to bring participants from Toronto did not show up, leaving about 500 Jewish individuals without transportation. This disruption, reminiscent of a similar situation at a pro-Israel rally in Washington, was denounced by organizers as an act of antisemitism, implicating Hamas supporters in the incident. A CIJA spokesperson named the subcontractor as Mohammed Ashfaq, of Prestige Worldwide Transportation Network LLC.

Adam Minsky, president and CEO of United Jewish Appeal Federations in Toronto, expressed outrage over the bus company’s failure to fulfill its commitment. The company, having been paid in full and previously confirming its participation, cut off all communication, offering no explanation for its absence. This led to efforts to arrange alternative transportation, including private cars and other buses, to ensure the attendees’ presence at the rally.

Diverse group of powerful speakers

The rally on Parliament Hill was a powerful assembly of diverse voices united against antisemitism. The event featured not only prominent Canadian politicians and Jewish leaders but also a broad spectrum of the Jewish community. Students and rabbis from various religious backgrounds, members of both the Liberal and Conservative parties, and family members of those tragically affected by the October 7 Hamas attack, including those murdered or taken hostage, were present. Additionally, a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor stood among the attendees, lending a poignant depth to the day. Their speeches collectively highlighted the escalating incidents of antisemitism in Canada and abroad, manifesting in attacks on Jewish schools, community centers, synagogues and threats against individuals. This convergence was more than a mere protest; it was a powerful statement of resilience and a united call to action against hatred and discrimination towards Jews.

Security was heavily reinforced at the event, with police officers visibly armed with what seemed to be fully automatic machine guns. Additionally, observers were stationed on nearby rooftops, likely tasked with providing information to snipers about any potential security threats.

As participants gathered in Ottawa, despite the snowy elements and overcoming logistical hurdles, the rally was a symbol of the Jewish community’s unwavering commitment to solidarity and justice. This event, set against the backdrop of global tensions and local challenges, underscored the urgent need for awareness and action against antisemitism in all its forms.

Speeches Captured by RAIR Foundation USA

Nate Leipciger, a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor

In a solemn moment that gripped the hearts of those gathered at the rally, Nate Leipciger, a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor, educator, and author, took the stage to deliver a poignant speech. Born on February 28, 1928, in Chorzów, Poland, Leipciger’s life is a testament to resilience and courage. As a young boy, he and his family were forced from their home by the German invasion of Poland, leading them to the Sosnowiec Ghetto. By the age of 15, he found himself in the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where his mother and sister were mercilessly murdered.

His story, however, is not just one of loss and despair but also the unbreakable bond between a father and son. In the darkest moments of their imprisonment, Leipciger’s father twice saved his life. In one harrowing instance, Leipciger was in line for the gas chamber when his father managed to pull him out, bringing him safely into the camp. On another occasion, his father convinced a Nazi officer that Nate was a useful electrician, which allowed him to accompany his father to a factory in Germany, sparing them both from certain death at Auschwitz.

Their journey through the nightmare of the Holocaust led them through several concentration camps, including Fünfteichen, Gross-Rosen, and Flossenbürg, before they finally arrived at Waldlager V, a subcamp of the Dachau concentration camp complex. It was here that American soldiers eventually liberated them.

After the war, Leipciger and his father spent three years in Bamberg, Germany, before immigrating to Canada in June 1948. His experiences and reflections were later captured in his book, “The Weight of Freedom,” published in 2015 as part of the Azrieli Series of Holocaust Memoirs. This book offers a gripping and moving account of his life and experiences during the Holocaust.

Addressing the Ottawa crowd, Leipciger’s speech not only commemorated the past but also highlighted current concerns. He drew parallels between the antisemitic violence of World War II and recent attacks on synagogues, noting that such acts aim to intimidate and silence the Jewish community. He spoke of Israel’s current struggles, pointing out that the battle is not just physical but also psychological, involving propaganda and “false narratives.”

Concluding his speech, Leipciger affirmed, “We stand proud with Israel as Jews and Zionists. We are here and we will not be defeated. We in the diaspora are not powerless. We shall fight,” sending a powerful message of unity and resilience to all present.

Raquel and Alain Look, the grieving parents of Alexandre Look

At the rally, a particularly poignant moment came when Raquel and Alain Look, the grieving parents of Alexandre Look, addressed the crowd. Alexandre, a native of Montreal, was murdered in the Hamas attack at the Supernova music festival. Their speech was a heart-rending appeal for action and remembrance.

“Let our son’s sacrifice not be in vain. Please honor his memory by standing up against the forces that seek to destroy the Jewish and Canadian values we hold dear,” they implored the attendees. Their words not only mourned the loss of their son but also called for a united stand against Islamic terrorism and antisemitism. “Let us send a powerful message that we will never tolerate terror. We will not let Jew-hatred fester in our society.”

Raquel Look, articulating the profound loss of her 33-year-old son, transformed personal tragedy into a rallying cry for solidarity and vigilance. She and her husband Alain were among five rally participants who had either lost loved ones or feared for the lives of family members in the wake of the Hamas Islamic terror attack.

Strength in Unity: Ohad Lapidot’s Tribute to Daughter and Call for Solidarity

Ohad Lapidot, a Canadian-Israeli father mourning the loss of his daughter Tiferet, who was tragically killed at the Supernova music festival, shared a heartfelt message with the attendees at the Ottawa rally. His words reflected both profound grief and an unwavering spirit of resilience.

“It was really important to see the love, the support, and the solidarity of Jewish people in Canada,” Lapidot told JNS. His sentiment emphasized the vital role of community and unity in the face of tragedy. He expressed hope that the rally would inspire Jewish youth to embrace their identity confidently: “Keep your chins up. I think the youngsters who saw this rally won’t anymore be shy to be Jews. This is what I’ve seen.”

Lapidot also spoke about the crucial role of “social-media warriors” in shaping public opinion and spreading the truth about the challenges faced by the Jewish community. “We have the tools with us, and we have to keep telling the truth—that we are under Nazi-like barbarian attacks and we should defend ourselves,” he stated.

He recounted his experiences of Jewish unity, sharing how strangers from both Israel and the Diaspora offered support. One particularly touching moment was meeting a man from Toronto who kept a photo of Tiferet in his siddur and prayed for her. “I don’t know his name. We’ve never met before, but I do know he’s Jewish and he’s family,” Lapidot reflected.

He spoke of his daughter Tiferet with love, saying she “grabbed life with both hands.” Emphasizing his family’s determination to live “10 times more,” he highlighted the collective resilience of the Jewish community in Canada. “The struggle that we fight today is the most justified fight ever,” he affirmed.

In closing, Lapidot referenced the upcoming Hanukkah festival, drawing a parallel between the festival’s candles and the Jewish community’s determination: “In a few days, we would light the Hanukkah candles. Those candles and the Jewish determination will expel the darkness.” His words at the rally were not just a tribute to his daughter but also a rallying cry for hope and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Urgent Plea: Family’s Appeal for Canadian Hostage Held by Hamas

Larry Weinstein, along with his daughter Ali, traveled from Toronto to Ottawa to urge the Canadian government to intensify efforts to find and secure the release of his sister, Judith Weinstein Haggai, who is currently the last known Canadian hostage held by Hamas.

In an interview, Larry expressed deep frustration about his sister not being among the 105 hostages released during the recent temporary ceasefire. “We’re frustrated and want results,” he said plainly. Israeli officials say 137 people are still being held hostage in Gaza.

He also shared the emotional toll this situation is taking on their 95-year-old mother. “She’s constantly checking news channels, desperate for any information about Judith. Every day, she’s asking, ‘Is she dead or alive?’ It’s taking a severe toll on her,” he added, highlighting the family’s anguish and urgency for resolution.

The rally also saw the presence of other relatives of the October 7 victims and hostages. Among them was Maayan Shavit from Toronto, whose cousin Carmel is still held hostage, while another cousin, Yarden, was recently released. Additionally, Dalia Ohayon from British Columbia attended, mourning her sister who was murdered in the attack and advocating for her niece’s half-siblings, one of whom was taken hostage and subsequently murdered, while the other was fortunately released.

Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lantsman

Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lantsman, another speaker at the rally, delivered a forthright speech, focusing on Canada’s stance towards Israel and the Jewish community. She expressed her determination to maintain pressure on the Liberal government to solidly support Israel in its ongoing conflict. Lantsman highlighted the disappointing wavering support from the Canadian government, particularly pointing to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s call for Israel to exercise “maximum restraint” in its actions against Islamic terrorist group Hamas.

Lantsman remarked on the changing political climate, stating, “It was easy to be pro-Israel when this first happened, and it’s much harder now. And now we see who they really are.” Her words reflected a deep sense of disappointment in how left-wing politicians have responded over time.

She didn’t mince words in expressing her outrage at Canada’s political class, accusing them of failing to adequately protect Jewish people. Lantsman criticized the shift away from what she described as Canada’s “long-standing principled position,” replaced by ineffective and weak statements from various political figures.

In her call to action, Lantsman emphasized the need to end boycotts of Jewish businesses and to prosecute those responsible for vandalism and potential hate crimes. She emphasized the importance of unanimous political condemnation of those inciting hatred, especially those participating in illegal and hate-filled demonstrations.

Lantsman also addressed the calls for a ceasefire in the region by some members of the Bloc, NDP, and Liberal parties, labeling these suggestions as shameful. She stressed the importance of the safe return of all hostages, stating, “This isn’t over until the 137 hostages come home.”

Furthermore, she strongly condemned the sexual violence and rape of Israeli women, challenging organizations that advocate for women’s rights to recognize these acts as barbaric and indefensible. Her speech was a clear and passionate demand for robust support for Israel and the Jewish community, both domestically and internationally.

Rabbi Poupko’s Rallying Cry: Confronting Antisemitism with Clarity and Courage

In his stirring speech at the rally, Rabbi Reuben Poupko, the spiritual leader of Beth Israel Beth Aaron Congregation in Montreal and co-chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs’ Canadian Rabbinic Caucus, offered a profound reflection on the current challenges facing the Jewish community. He began by conveying a message from Deborah Lyons, Canada’s special envoy to combat antisemitism. Lyons, sending regards from Israel, stressed the importance of collaboration in combating antisemitism and acknowledged the significant work ahead.

Rabbi Poupko then shifted to a powerful narrative about the recent surge in antisemitic violence and the clarity it has brought. He described October 7 as a pivotal moment that stripped away illusions, exposing the brutal reality of the situation. He detailed the premeditated violence by Hamas, emphasizing the shocking orders given to their terrorists, including directives to commit heinous acts against children and women. This clarity, according to Rabbi Poupko, extends to the perception of journalists and the United Nations, whom he criticized for their response and portrayal of the Islamic attacks and conflict.

The Rabbi’s speech also touched on the broader implications of these events for Canadian values. He condemned the actions of those protesting against Israel, not just as an attack on Israel but as an affront to the very values that define Canada. He recounted incidents where protesters directly confronted Jewish students, challenging their right to be in Canada, despite the Jewish community’s longstanding presence in the country.

Rabbi Poupko emphasized the contrast in values between the Jewish community and their adversaries, stating that while their enemies may value death, the Jewish community values life. He reminded the audience of their rich heritage, invoking the spirits of biblical figures like King David, Samson, and Joshua, to reinforce the resilience and fighting spirit of the Jewish people.

Concluding his speech, Rabbi Poupko underscored the Jewish community’s resolve to stand firm in the face of adversity and to continue their legacy as a people of faith, resilience, and enduring strength. His words served as both a remembrance of past struggles and a rallying cry for continued vigilance and unity in the face of ongoing challenges.

MP Anthony Housefather: ‘A pogrom happened’

Liberal Party MP Anthony Housefather, representing a Montreal constituency, opened his speech at the rally with a stark reference to the recent surge of antisemitic incidents in his city, including violent attacks on Jewish institutions. Housefather, fresh from a solidarity trip to Israel, shared his firsthand experiences and observations.

He recounted visiting Kibbutz Kfar Aza, witnessing the aftermath of the terror and violence that had struck the community. Housefather expressed his deep anger and frustration at the global response to these events, especially the justifications made for Hamas’ actions and the unique scrutiny he feels Israel faces in international forums like the United Nations.

“We saw bullet holes and blood trails, and heard from survivors stories of rape, torture, and murder, and met with families of the hostages,” he conveyed to the attendees. His visit was not just a diplomatic mission, but a personal journey to bear witness to the atrocities of October 7. “We did this so we could say with certainty that a pogrom happened on Oct. 7,” he emphasized, underlining the gravity of the situation and the need for global acknowledgment and action.

Ambassador Moed: Unmasking Antisemitism in Modern Guise

Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, delivered a compelling speech at the rally, emphasizing the complex threats facing Israel. He stressed that the Jewish homeland is besieged not just militarily but also ideologically. Moed criticized “social justice warriors” for perpetuating falsehoods about Israel, leading to a backlash both in Canada and internationally.

Moed made it clear that Israel’s opposition is not towards the Palestinian people, but specifically against the terrorist organization Hamas. He highlighted the issue of antisemitism, describing it as adept at adapting to current narratives. “Antisemitism is a great impersonator. Its current disguise is the social justice warrior wielding the popular sword of Israel condemnation,” Moed said. He accused these forces of using lies, misinformation, and unfair comparisons to delegitimize Israel.

A particularly resonant moment occurred when Moed called for the unconditional release of the 130 hostages still held by Hamas, prompting the crowd to respond with a powerful chant of “bring them home.” This underscored the urgency and collective concern of those gathered at the rally. Moed’s speech was a call to recognize and confront the complex layers of challenges faced by Israel and the Jewish community globally.

Unifying Moments

During the speeches at the rally, the crowd frequently joined in with chants of “Am Yisrael Chai,” a Jewish anthem signifying unity and perseverance. This phrase, meaning “the people of Israel live,” resonated through the crowd, punctuating the speeches with a sense of solidarity. Additionally, the attendees collectively sang “Hatikvah,” the Israeli National Anthem, in a moment that reflected both emotion and national pride, underscoring the rally’s atmosphere of communal strength and resolve.

There were many other influential individuals who spoke at the rally and made significant contributions. See the list below:

1. Maureen Leshem: She spoke about her cousin, Romi Gonen, who Hamas Muslim terrorists abducted.
2. Leonor Ward: From the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.
3. Avideh Motmaen-Far: President of the Council of Iranian Canadians, who expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and condemned the Iranian regime.
4. Caroline D’Amore: CEO of Pizza Girl, who spoke about her advocacy against antisemitism.
5. Denis Coderre: Former Montreal mayor and former federal immigration minister, who expressed his support for Israel.
6. Rex Murphy: A Canadian political commentator.
7. Jonathan Elkhoury: A Christian Lebanese Arab-Israeli who spoke at the rally.
8. Ohad Lapidot: Whose daughter Tiferet was murdered at the Supernova music festival.
9. Karen Restoule: An “indigenous” community leader who voiced her support for the Jewish community.

As the rally on Parliament Hill came to a close, the message from the 20,000 attendees remained clear and resolute. Despite the cold and challenges faced, their unified stand against antisemitism and Islamic terrorism resonated powerfully. The day’s events, marked by compelling speeches and a strong show of solidarity, underscored the commitment of the Canadian Jewish community and their allies to confront and overcome attacks and threats. This significant gathering in Ottawa, echoing with calls for action and unity, reinforced the enduring spirit of resilience and the continuous fight against antisemitism in Canada and beyond.