Save Our Ceej!

Two young Jews, both named Mira, are concerned about the impending consolidation of Jewish/Israel advocacy groups, a move that would mean the demise of the Ceej and its "social justice" agenda:

This merger would create the impression that the Jewish community stands unified on all issues, and that it has a singular focus on Israel, when, in fact, neither statement is true. By diluting its domestic agenda and sidelining the variety of voices that exist among Canadian Jews – and particularly among the younger generation – the organized Jewish community would be further narrowing its base.

The social-justice agenda of the CJC has always attracted a wide cross-section of community members. For some, this was because of a passion for the defence of the Jewish community in the face of anti-Semitism. For others, it was because of a belief that Canadian Jews have a responsibility to advocate not only for themselves, but also for other communities at risk.

Many within the Canadian Jewish community have argued that streamlining the domestic and international agendas makes sense given the perceived relationship between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. But this logic breaks down when one realizes that Canadian Jews – including many solidly Zionist groups – do not automatically agree with every action that Israel takes.

Well, Mira Squared, your logic breaks down when one realizes that Zionhass is the latest manifestation of that age-old scourge, Judenhass, something you "social justice"-besotted young'uns refuse to consider. And should the Ceej shuffle off, there are plenty of other hyper-"critical," tikkun olamish Jewish groups where you can park your allegiance--New Israel Fund of Canada and Independent Jewish Voices Canada, for two.