CJC News Release: CJC works with Skylink to deliver medical supplies to Darfur

May 26, 2006 - CJC works with Skylink to deliver medical supplies to Darfur

TORONTO – Following Canada’s recent $40 million aid commitment to Darfur, Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) has facilitated a private shipment of $430,000 worth of medical supplies to the Darfur region of Sudan which were donated by Walter Arbib, President of Canada’s Skylink Group of Companies and a CJC lay leader, in partnership with Counterpart International and Medicines for Humanity.

The shipment is expected to arrive in Khartoum by May 29. International Medical Corporation (IMC), a non-governmental humanitarian organization providing aid in Darfur, will meet the shipment and distribute the supplies as needed in the region.

“As citizens of the world, Canadians have a moral obligation to help stop the tragedies unfolding around them,” said CJC National President Ed Morgan. “CJC has long worked to bring attention to the needs of the people suffering in Darfur – Walter Arbib has answered that call,” he said.

“I am proud to do what I can to help,” said Arbib. “The legacy of the Holocaust is a constant reminder to me, as a Jew, that we must protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

“We welcome Canada’s latest aid commitment to Darfur, but we recognize more needs to be done. We hope this altruistic gesture by a private Canadian citizen will be replicated by others,” added CJC National Darfur Committee Chair Mark Weintraub. “We are also grateful to the American Jewish World Service for its assistance in connecting CJC with IMC to ensure delivery of the medical supplies to those who need it most,” he said.

Since 2003, millions of Darfurians have been forced from their homes and hundreds of thousands of men, women and children have been tortured, raped or slaughtered by the Janjaweed militia in Sudan.

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Contacter:

Stephen Adler
Director of Public Policy, Ontario Region
Canadian Jewish Congress
416-635-2883 ext. 175 (office)
416-728-6376 (cell)
sadler@on.cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=803

CJC News Release: On Holocaust Remembrance Day, CJC asks Canadian legislators to wear green ribbons for Darfur

April 21, 2006: On Holocaust Remembrance Day, CJC asks Canadian legislators to wear green ribbons for Darfur

For immediate release

OTTAWA – On Tuesday, April 25, Holocaust Remembrance Day, legislators in the House of Commons, Quebec’s National Assembly, and the legislatures of British Columbia and Ontario will wear green ribbons provided by Canadian Jewish Congress to demonstrate their support for the people of Darfur, Sudan.

“On Yom Hashoah, Canadians are reminded of the world’s hope that never again would genocide confront us,” said CJC National Darfur Committee Chair Mark Weintraub. “On this day, more than any other, we must honour the memory of the victims and the survivors of the Holocaust by not forgetting those who are currently suffering in the overwhelming tragedy unfolding in Darfur,” he noted.

“As Canadians we have a moral obligation both to remember the horrors of the past and recognize and act to undo the tragedies occurring in the world around us today,” said CJC National President Ed Morgan. “The lessons of the Holocaust require no less of us, as individuals and as a nation.”

Since 2003, millions of Darfurians have been forced from their homes and hundreds of thousands of men, women and children have been tortured, raped or slaughtered by the Janjaweed militia in Sudan.

“The world community has recognized that action must be taken to stop the human catastrophe in Darfur,” said Weintraub. “The Canadian government has a responsibility to take a leading role in this process.”

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Contact:
Wendy Lampert
National Director of Communications
Canadian Jewish Congress
416-631-5844
wlampert@on.cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

CJC News Release: Jewish and Aboriginal communities strengthen ties through CJCPR

Feb 27, 2006 - Jewish and Aboriginal communities strengthen ties through CJCPRInteractive Teleconference Addresses Shared Concerns

Vancouver - Jewish and First Nations leaders discussed residential schools, historical and contemporary discrimination and future opportunities for joint dialogue in a recent teleconference convened by B.C. non-governmental organization Worldviews Strategies.

The teleconference, chaired by Canadian Jewish Congress Pacific Region Chair Mark Weintraub and Chief Robert Joseph, chief of the Gwa wa enuk First Nation and a survivor of the Indian residential schools system, included Aboriginal and Jewish community leadership as well as representatives of NGOs and government.

Each province and territory was represented and many social justice advocates from across Canada, the United States and Europe took part in the call to hear from Aboriginal and Jewish community leaders.

“When we speak of social justice concerns we must first speak of justice for Aboriginal people,” said Weintraub. “Our collective anti-racism work must place at the heart of our concerns the ongoing consequences of an historical massive assault against the spiritual and cultural structures of indigenous people. Our communities have a deep friendship that stems from common historical narratives, determination and hope in the face of pervasive and institutionalized racism and a connection to land that permeates our ancestral culture.”

Chief Joseph noted that the communities are natural allies. “Our pasts have defined our contemporary communities and we can build together not only to heal our spirits, but to help heal the world,” he said. “Each time we reach out to each other the darkness fades a little more.”

The PodCast of the teleconference will be available on the Canadian Jewish Congress website in the coming days. An interactive e-forum and follow up materials are available on the Worldview Strategies website www.worldviewstrategies.com under the “Teleconferences” banner.

CJC acts on matters affecting the status, rights and welfare of the Canadian Jewish community.

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For more information, please contact:

Jeff Bradshaw
Education Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101
jeffb@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=783

CJC News Release: CJCPR kicks off multiculturalism week at community gathering

Feb. 16, 2006 - CJCPR kicks off multiculturalism week at community gathering

Vancouver - B.C. Attorney General Hon. Wally Oppal discussed some of the advantages British Columbia derives from its unique approach to multicultural inclusion at the kick-off to 2006 Multiculturalism Week hosted by Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region earlier this week.

CJCPR Vice Chair Richard Kurland chaired the event, held at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver. Minister Oppal spoke extensively about the work of Canadian Jewish Congress in fighting racism and working towards building a society in which multiculturalism thrives. He discussed the historical role the Jewish community has played as advocates for human rights and inter-group relations.

As an honour to the Jewish community and a kick-off to multiculturalism week, Minister Oppal presented a framed copy of the Multiculturalism Week proclamation to CJCPR Chair Mark Weintraub.

“Multiculturalism Week is an opportunity for all British Columbians to celebrate our unique commitment to cultural diversity,” said Weintraub. “It is also a time for multicultural organizations to reflect upon the successes of the Canadian experience and to recognize the important role the Jewish community must play,” he added.

Representatives from cultural and faith organizations from across Vancouver, including SUCCESS, the Multifaith Action Society, AMSSA, the Committee for Racial Justice, the Ismali Council and various other ethnic community leaders, took part in the event, which also included 10 high-school students from Vancouver public schools.

CJC acts on matters affecting the status, rights and welfare of the Canadian Jewish community.

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For more information, please contact:

Mira Oreck
Acting Regional Director
Canadian Jewish Congess, Pacific Region
604-257-5101
mirao@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=779

CJC News Release: CJCPR Strongly condemns anti-semitic statements.

January 26, 2006 - CJCPR strongly condems anti-semitic statements

Vancouver - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region strongly condemned the antisemitic statements made by Robbie Robertson to the Richmond News on January 24, 2006. Mr. Robertson is the former campaign manager to Darrel Reid, the Conservative candidate in Richmond.

Mr. Robertson attributed Mr. Reid's election loss to a Jewish-controlled, anti-Christian CanWest media.

"CanWest, which has shown an understanding of and a sensitivity to Christian points of view can well defend itself against such scurrilous charges," stated CJCPR Chair Mark Weintraub. "I am particularly dismayed that someone participating in the democratic process would purvey libelous lies that are so hurtful to the Jewish community and undermine Canada's values of inter-group understanding and respect."

Mr Weintraub added that "Robertson's statements feed off ugly, antisemitic conspiracy theories and show an appalling ignorance of the very positive state of Christian-Jewish relations in Canada today."

Mr Weintraub noted that "CJCPR is gratified that Mr. Reid, numerous of his supporters and Conservative Party leadership have forcefully repudiated and condemned Robertson's remarks."

Mr. Weintraub concluded that "Canadians must be mindful that the type of singleminded, pathological obsession with Jews shown by Robertson has long historical precedent and only continual education and advocacy will keep it suppressed."

CJC acts on matters affecting the status, rights and welfare of the Canadian Jewish community.

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For more information, please contact:

Mira Oreck
Acting Regional Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101
mirao@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=768

CJC News Release: CJC welcomes government recognition of residential school abuse victims

November 24, 2005
For immediate release

CJC welcomes government recognition of residential school abuse victims

OTTAWA - Canadian Jewish Congress welcomed the Canadian government’s announcement of plans to compensate Aboriginal Canadians who were abused while attending government-run residential schools, which includes funds for a truth-and-reconciliation commission.

"We are pleased that Canada has finally understood its responsibility for a shameful part of our country’s history, and is seeking to rectify its actions," said Canadian Jewish Congress National President Ed Morgan.

"Canada has made a crucial and substantive step toward recognizing our national culpability for this grievous historic wrong," added CJC Pacific Region Chair Mark Weintraub.

"As this process moves forward, survivors' and Aboriginal voices must be heard in the development and implementation of the programs being created on their behalf. The Jewish community will certainly lend its unqualified support to authentic reconciliation," he noted.

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For more information, contact:

Wendy Lampert
National Director of Communications

Canadian Jewish Congress

416-631-5844 (office)
416-845-4674 (cell)

wlampert@on.cjc.ca

www.cjc.ca

CJC News Release: CJC Condemns extremist literature

November 8, 2005 - CJC Condemns extremist literature

Vancouver - Canadian Jewish Congress strongly condemned extremist literature that has been distributed in the Fraser Valley.

CJC has spoken about the flyers with police, who say their content targets immigrants and immigration. They also say the flyers appear to originate from a Virginia-based white supremacist group. Police have not yet identified those responsible for distributing the material locally.

"All non-Aboriginal Canadians are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, which makes this extreme anti-immigration material seem quite absurd," said Mark Weintraub, Chair of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. "The danger lies in the fact that this type of clearly mean-spirited attack exploits ignorance and pre-existing prejudice,” he added.

Weintraub noted that it is also distressing that the materials appear also to highlight a hate-based internet site. He said the provincial Hate Crime Team will investigate to conclude whether the flyers promote hate and will determine charges under the Criminal Code accordingly.

“I am proud that here in Canada we have established a culture of respect for diversity. We cannot permit those with ignorant minds and hard hearts to harm our fellow Canadians. CJC, Pacific Region, is confident that the police will identify the perpetrators in this case, and that they will be dealt with appropriately under the law,” he said.

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Contact:
Pat Johnson
Acting Co-Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101
patj@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=756

CJC News Release: Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region denounces Hindu Temple desecration

August 8 2005 - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region denounces Hindu Temple desecration

Vancouver - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region, denounced the recent desecration of the Geeta Gyan Society temple in Surrey, and has offered its support and condolences to the congregation.

The temple was defaced with graffiti that included racial aspersions, swastikas, and threats.

"No Canadian should face the spectacle of their place of worship being targeted by intolerance," said Mark Weintraub, Chair of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. "We share with the Hindu community their pain, outrage and disappointment at this attack on our society's cohesion," he added.

Weintraub noted that CJCPR hopes the Surrey police are able to find the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice.

"Canadian Jewish Congress has been a constant voice for education and enforcement against racial, religious and other forms of intolerance against all groups in our society. We hope that the perpetrators, once found, will face appropriate charges," Weintraub added.

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For more information contact:
Romy Ritter
Community Relations Coordinator
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101 (office)
romyr@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=729

CJC News Release: CJCPR Mourns Lilian To

July 3, 2005 - CJCPR Mourns Lilian To

For immediate release

Vancouver - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region will convey its sympathy and shock to the Board of United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.) over the untimely loss of Lilian To, a woman who shaped Canadian society and was a major architect of Vancouver's multicultural success.

To, who was Executive Director of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., was a staunch supporter of the Jewish community in British Columbia and Canada, and an ally and friend to the officers and staff of Canadian Jewish Congress.

"Lilian was a colleague and a friend to me and I benefited along with thousands of other British Columbians from her lifetime of contributions to multiculturalism and support for new Canadians," said Erwin Nest, Executive Director of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. "I could always count on her wise counsel, her solid opinions and generous friendship. Lilian was well-informed, thoughtful and articulate but, beyond that, she was genuinely committed to a tolerant, peaceful and just society."

Canadian Jewish Congress and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. have worked together on countless projects of mutual concern for decades, most notably on programs and task forces within the non-profit sector. Lilian To was a leader in developing social services that met the needs of seniors, women, youth and families, whether they required counselling, employment, language training or other services to help them become successful and contributing Canadians. Her work in community development, settlement and public education will leave a positive and lasting mark on British Columbia's and Canada's multicultural fabric. An immigrant herself, To epitomized the contribution a single individual could make to one's chosen home.

"She was a leader in immigrant settlement services and is personally responsible for the richness that so many newcomers have contributed to our society," said Mark Weintraub, Chair of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. "Lilian built S.U.C.C.E.S.S. into an agency that not only provides a range of services for immigrants to find homes and jobs, but one that promotes multiculturalism more generally, that protects human rights, encourages an active and dedicated citizenry and combats prejudice in any form it might take. Her foresight, depth of knowledge and inherent sensitivity will be deeply missed."

To experienced a heart attack on Canada Day and passed away Saturday.

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Contact:
Erwin Nest
Executive Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101 (office)
erwinn@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=719

CJC News Release: Jewish Community sends support to victim

June 1, 2005 - Jewish Community sends support to victim

For immediate release

Vancouver - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region is expressing shock and offering support and solidarity to the victim of a vicious attack in Richmond last week.

A young man, whose identity has not been made public, was attacked on the grounds of a Richmond school Thursday. RCMP report that the teenager was subjected to racial slurs, that his turban was torn from his person and his hair was cut with a blade, in contravention of his Sikh religious tradition.

“On behalf of the Jewish community of British Columbia and Canada, I have conveyed, through the RCMP, my deep and heartfelt support and solidarity with the young man, his family and his community,” said Mark Weintraub, chair of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. “We have conveyed to our friends in the Sikh community our revulsion at the assault, with its added injury to the religious dignity of the individual victim and his entire community.”

Police are not stating explicitly whether the incident is to be treated as a hate crime.

Weintraub said investigative and judicial processes will unfold in days to come, but took the opportunity to restate that his community stands with the victim, his family and community.

“We join with Sikh Canadians in bearing the painful burden of this attack, which has implications for the targeted individual, as well as broader implications for Canadian society,” said Weintraub. “The wishes and empathy of our community are with the young man and his family. The resources of our communal structure are at the disposal of police and the Sikh community if there is any contribution we can make to alleviate the suffering or to facilitate justice.”

Canadian Jewish Congress has been a strong proponent of government support to combat hate- and bias-motivated incidents. Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region, contends that crimes perpetrated against members of cultural communities have impacts beyond the victim themselves and deleteriously affect the cohesion and safety of society as a whole.

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Contact:
Erwin Nest
Executive Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101 (office)
erwinn@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=713

CJC News Release: CJC commends Canadian government for Darfur commitments

May 12, 2005 - CJC comments Canadian government for Darfur commitments

For immediate release

TORONTO - Canadian Jewish Congress commended the Canadian government for following through on its commitment to help end the suffering in the Darfur region of Sudan by offering increased financial assistance and enhanced diplomatic support for the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS).

Prime Minister Paul Martin announced earlier today a pledge of up to $198 million for more humanitarian aid and increased support for AMIS, as well as the creation of an advisory team to coordinate and promote Canadian initiatives on the ground in Darfur.

“For almost 18 months, CJC has been working with coalition partners, concerned parliamentarians and government officials to encourage Canada to lead the international community effort to help end the human rights violations that have left nearly 2 million people displaced from their homes and nearly 500,000 dead,” said Mark Weintraub, Chair of CJC’s National Darfur Committee.

“We are gratified that our efforts to mobilize public awareness of this tragic crisis have helped result in government action,” he added.

“On behalf of the Canadian Jewish community, we are working to ensure that the words ‘never again’ are translated into concrete Canadian action. We encourage Canada to intervene with substantial peacekeeping forces in order to play an active role in stopping the carnage,” said CJC National President Ed Morgan.

“While it is too late for those who have perished or have been displaced, we remain committed to supporting Canada’s efforts to help end the horrors that have virtually decimated the people of Darfur,” he noted.

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Contact:
Wendy Lampert
National Communications Director
Canadian Jewish Congress
416-631-5844
wlampert@on.cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=708

CJC News Release: Results of Survey Released - Parties Address Canadian Jewish Congress Concerns

April 28, 2005 - Results of Survey Released
Parties Address Canadian Jewish Congress Concerns

VANCOUVER - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region today released the responses of the B.C. Liberal and New Democratic parties to questions of particular concern to the Jewish community.

The survey, which provides a reliable gauge of party positions on multicultural and human rights issues in each election cycle, is part of the organization’s mandate to inform and engage Jewish voters in the civic process.

The two parties each answered seven questions on diverse topics, including: support for the provincial Hate Crime Team; hate propaganda; Holocaust education; human rights protections; multiculturalism; affordable housing; and First Nations self-government.

“The parties have made clear their positions on these crucial issues facing our province and our country,” said Mark Weintraub, chair of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. “All British Columbians who are devoted to social justice and a civil society will benefit from these answers.”

The questionnaire was posed to the B.C. Liberals and the New Democrats, the two parties that have held governmental power in recent legislatures. Each of the questions was prefaced by the parties’ stated commitments to similar questions four years ago.

The full text of the survey and the parties’ responses are attached and also available online at http://www.cjc.ca/docs/RD/181_Party%20Survey%20April%202005.doc

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Contact: Erwin Nest
Executive Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101 (office)
erwinn@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=704

CJC News Release: COMBATING HATE, PROTECTING RIGHTS TOP CONCERNS

CJC, Pacific Region Launches Ambitious Three-Year Agenda

VANCOUVER, B. C., March 24, 2005…A reinvigorated effort is needed to confront and combat bias and hate-motivated crimes in British Columbia. That was one of the major themes evident when Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region released its Public Affairs Action Agenda today. The 64-page triennial document acts as a summary of CJCPR priorities and guides the ongoing human rights work of the organization over the next three years, including a continued push for restoration of funding to the provincial Hate Crime Team.

“The issues in this ambitious agenda are priorities for Jewish Canadians, but like so much of our work, they affect all Canadians,” said Mark Weintraub, Chair of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. “We are involved with partner organizations on genocide prevention and awareness, social services, interfaith dialogues and issues of poverty in our region.”

The Public Affairs Action Agenda 2004 - 2007 identifies six areas of particular concern, including Hate and Bias Crime; Hate Propaganda; Holocaust Education; Human Rights Protections in B.C.; Multiculturalism; and Affordable Housing. Each section includes background briefing, a summary of the issue’s current status, and recommendations for action.

The recommendations spelled out by the Public Affairs Action Agenda 2004 - 2007 include a call on the provincial government to fully fund the province’s Hate Crime Team; intergovernmental cooperation on monitoring and combating hate propaganda; ensuring that Holocaust education remains part of B.C.’s required curriculum; the establishment of an information and advisory office within the provincial human rights apparatus; improved links between multicultural stakeholder groups; and increased funding for affordable housing, among other specific actions.

“The Action Agenda is the blueprint for our work over the coming years,” said Tony DuMoulin, a senior officer of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. “This is what we stand for, what we are working toward as part of our ongoing mandate. It addresses the wide-ranging and progressive social justice goals we seek as the democratic representative of Canadian Jewry.”

The CJCPR Public Affairs Action Agenda 2004 - 2007 is available in full online by clicking on http://www.cjc.ca/docs/RD/177_PAAA 2005.pdf - or writing this address in the address line of your browser.

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Contact:
Erwin Nest, Executive Director
Suite 201-950 West 41st Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 2N7
Tel: 604-257-5101
Fax: 604-257-5131
E-mail: erwinn@cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=697

CJC News Release: CJC seeks action from Prime Minister on Darfur

Feb 02, 2005 - CJC seeks action from Prime Minister on Darfur

For Immediate Release

TORONTO - Canadian Jewish Congress has sent a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin appealing for the mobilization of resources to help end the crisis in Darfur.

The letter was sent just as a new United Nations panel strongly criticized the role of the Sudanese government in the catastrophic situation in Darfur and as U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan urged the Security Council to take urgent action to stop the killing.

In the letter, Victor Goldboom, Chair of CJC's National Executive, said "We very much appreciate the international advocacy on Darfur that has been forthcoming from you and your government. At the same time, the situation on the ground in Darfur continues to deteriorate and the African Union mission does not have the necessary troops and resources to protect civilians. This mandate must be strengthened and more international resources dedicated to support them."

"Whether or not what is occurring is technically 'genocide' should not deter Canada from recognizing that by all accounts, there is a great humanitarian disaster unfolding in Darfur," said CJC Pacific Region Chair Mark Weintraub.

In the letter, Weintraub said "Every tragedy has its own unique context. Our own experience with the Holocaust has taught us that such evil must be recognized and that we have a responsibility to ensure that it never happens again."

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Contact:

Wendy Lampert

Acting National Communications Director

Canadian Jewish Congress

416-631-5844 (office)

wlampert@on.cjc.ca

www.cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=687

CJC News Release: CJC Pacific Region and Darfur Association call on Prime Minister to keep his commitments

Jan 27, 2005 - CJC Pacific Region and Darfur Association call on Prime Minister to keep his commitments.

VANCOUVER, B.C, January 27, 2005…On the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region and the Darfur Association of Canada – B.C. Chapter held a joint press conference to appeal to Prime Minister Martin to show leadership and follow through on his commitments to help end the crisis in Darfur where 80,000 innocent people have been murdered and 1.5 million are homeless after their villages were burned.

“We call upon the Government of Canada to mobilize all resources - political, diplomatic, and financial - that are necessary to stop the suffering and avert what is becoming another Rwandan-like catastrophe in Darfur,” said Mark Weintraub, Chair of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. “Whether or not what is occurring is technically ‘genocide’ should not deter Canada from recognizing that by all accounts, there is a great humanitarian disaster unfolding in Darfur where innocent people, including women and children, are being murdered, raped, and tortured because of their ethnicity,” he charged. In a letter sent to the Prime Minister, Weintraub reminded the Prime Minister of the remarks he made during his November visit to Darfur that “there are always excuses, but it is our responsibility to create a situation where there can be no excuses.”

Nouri Abdalla, an activist in the Darfur community in Vancouver confirmed that the situation in Darfur today is worse than it was four months ago when the UN Security Council Resolution asked the Sudanese government to disarm its proxy, the Janjaweed militia, and bring their leaders to justice. “Despite UN resolutions and all the signed agreements, the Sudanese government continues to violate all its commitments,” he noted. Abdalla called on the Prime Minister to demand “the immediate disarming of the murderous Janjaweed militias initially unleashed by the Sudanese government; the immediate apprehension of their leaders; the imposition of ‘no-fly zones’ over Darfur; intervention by highly experienced, properly funded, well-trained and well-equipped peace-keeping forces; and an immediate investigation with respect to the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

Robert Waisman, a survivor of the Holocaust said the world must be reminded, especially on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, of its commitment to “never again” allow such evil to prevail. “Every human tragedy has it's own unique context. Our own experience with the Holocaust has taught us that such evil must be recognized and that we have a responsibility to ensure that it never happens again. In Darfur, inter-ethnic issues have unleashed terrible forces putting hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of innocent victims at risk. The human price that has been paid is already too high.”

Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region addresses issues of human rights, combats all forms of discrimination and antisemitism; establishes an ongoing political liaison with all political parties and all levels of government; aims for an open and enhanced dialogue with other religious, ethnic and minority groups to foster understanding, goodwill and cooperation on issues of mutual concern and speaks on a broad range of public policy, humanitarian and social-justice issues.

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Contact:
Erwin Nest, Executive Director
Suite 201-950 West 41st Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 2N7
Phone: 604-257-5101
Fax: 604-257-5131
E-mail: erwinn@cjc.ca
http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=686

CJC News Release: Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region Statement on "The Miracle" decision

Jan 19, 2005 - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region Statement on "The Miracle" decision

VANCOUVER, JANUARY 19, 2005 - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region (CJCPR) has learned that Crown Counsel has decided not to lay charges against the publisher of the Delta newspaper “The Miracle”. In January 2004, CJCPR turned over copies of the newspaper which contained a venomously antisemitic article to the B.C. Hate Crime Team for investigation as violating the anti-hate provisions of the Criminal Code. CJCPR brought this legal issue to the Crown Counsel and was named as the complainant in this case.

CJCPR Chair Mark Weintraub stated, “The Miracle newspaper article was a hate filled attack on the Jewish community, penned by a notorious American anti-Semite. Its publication was unequivocally denounced by the mainstream Muslim community; even the publisher responsible for the publication subsequently expressed remorse. CJCPR turned over this hate-filled material to the Provincial Hate Crime Team for a determination as to whether charges should be recommended under the incitement to hatred sections of the Criminal Code. The Crown has advised CJCPR that after due investigation and deliberation, it was determined that while the article was obviously hate propaganda and could not be defended as any form of legitimate comment, it would be difficult to obtain a conviction for incitement on various legal grounds.

“CJCPR fully appreciates that where material is published which is antisemitic, racist and hate filled, investigation of the manner of dissemination of such material may lead Crown Counsel to conclude that the strict requirements of the incitement provisions have not been met and that criminal prosecution is therefore not appropriate. CJCPR has and will continue to have “zero tolerance” for all forms of hate and bias, including publication of hate propaganda. CJCPR will continue to be vigilant in confronting such acts and in reporting suspected hate crimes whenever they occur so that the criminal justice system may take its rightful course.

“CJCPR is confident in B.C.’s Hate Crime team; it is a most needed specialized force in the Province. Hate crimes undermine the very fabric of our diverse and free society and have as their motivation and backdrop the terrorization of an entire community. As such, they need specialized skills and different responses than crimes which are random or intended to strike at one individual. CJCPR will continue to advocate for the Hate Crime Team to be supported and funded in a manner which recognizes the important role which it fulfills in our community.”

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Contact:
Erwin Nest, Executive Director
Suite 201-950 West 41st Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 2N7
Phone: 604-257-5101
Fax: 604-257-5131
E-mail: erwinn@cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=683

CJC News Release: CJCPR demands concrete government action on Darfur.

Sep 08, 2004 - CJCPR demands concrete government action on Darfur.

Vancouver - September 8, 2004. After a meeting with Canada’s Special Envoy to Sudan, Senator Mobina Jaffer, Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region (CJCPR) is urging Prime Minister Paul Martin, the Cabinet, and all Members of Parliament to show leadership and do more to stop the murder, bloodshed, and rape in Darfur that is continuing to force thousands from their homes despite appeals from the international community to the Sudanese government.

“Prime Minister Paul Martin showed great leadership by appointing The Honourable Senator Mobina Jaffer as Canada’s Special Envoy to Sudan. She has assumed the burden of confronting, on behalf of all Canadians, the worst humanitarian crisis in the world,” said CJCPR Chairman Mark Weintraub. “However, our political leadership, on all levels must now give urgent voice to support her efforts. The Prime Minister, with the support of the entire House of Commons, must follow through by immediately providing the peace keeping and financial support necessary to stop the violence,” he added.

Leaving the meeting with Senator Jaffer, Weintraub referred to commitments made by former Prime Minister Chretien and Prime Minister Martin to make Africa a priority and called upon all appropriate officials and political leadership to demand a public debate of the crisis in Canada and at the United Nations. “Canada must continue to keep this crisis on the public agenda if another Rwanda is to be avoided,” warned Weintraub.

Holocaust survivor Robert Waisman said he finds the Darfur situation outrageous and beyond comprehension. “When I was liberated from Buchenwald concentration camp, I was sure that the atrocities I witnessed would never again occur because the world would have learned the lesson. Today there is absolutely no excuse for silence.”

CJCPR is also calling on all citizens to write Prime Minister Martin expressing their concern that Canada is not fully utilizing its international reputation as peacekeepers to support efforts to end the crisis.

A Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region (CJCPR) delegation led by Weintraub and Board Member Sheila Fruman, met Tuesday with Senator Mobina Jaffer to support her efforts. Senator Jaffer assured the delegation that she would continue her efforts for an end to the crisis.

Canadian Jewish Congress, a national organization representing the Jewish community on issues of concern, has been involved in advocacy on religious intolerance in Sudan since 1999.

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Contact:
Erwin Nest, Executive Director
Suite 201-950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2N7
Tel: 604-257-5101
Fax: 604-257-5131
E-mail: erwinn@cjc.ca

www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=665

CJC News Release: Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region calls on Federal Government to increase pressure on Sudan

Aug 31, 2004 - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region calls on Federal Government to increase pressure on Sudan

Vancouver…August 31, 2004. The deadline of August 30 set by the UN Security Council for the Sudanese government to end the violence in Darfur has passed without any significant improvement. Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region (CJCPR), therefore, as part of a national Canadian Jewish Congress initiative, is calling upon the Canadian public to urge the federal government to step up the international efforts to work for an immediate end to the deteriorating human rights situation and severe humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

Lauding the efforts of Senator Mobina Jaffer, Canada's Special Envoy to the Peace Process in the Sudan, CJC, Pacific Region is currently seeking a meeting with her to discuss how Canadian NGOs can complement government initiatives to prevent further bloodshed and ethnic violence.

“In light of recent reports from various international NGO’s, which clearly confirm that civilians continue to be the targets of government raids, looting and rape, the Government of Canada must redouble its efforts for the consolidation of an international consensus on practical and immediate steps to be taken to improve the situation,” said Mark Weintraub, Chair of CJC, Pacific Region.

He went on to say, "Tragically, this is not the first time Canadian Jewish Congress has given voice to its constituency's profound concern regarding humanitarian tragedies of the magnitude facing the people in Darfur. The response that we have received from the Jewish community is to continue our advocacy to the government on this issue and we plan to continue to raise this issue with appropriate representatives."

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Martin in June, the CJC National President stated: "In the face of reports of mass murder, systematic rape and ethnic cleansing in Darfur, we cannot fail to confront the massive refugee and humanitarian crises emerging from this terrible conflict." CJC called on the government for:

- An unambiguous denunciation of the Sudanese government;
- A call for the immediate disarming, disbanding and withdrawal of the murderous militias, both government and Janjaweed, now operating with impunity in Darfur; and
- The implementation of measures to protect, assist and repatriate civilians displaced by the conflict.

In July, CJC National President Ed Morgan and CJC National Executive Director Manuel Prutschi met with the Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York City to share CJC's deep concern for the worsening situation. Last week, CJC Quebec Region co-sponsored an inter-faith “Day of Conscience” to raise public awareness.

CJC, Pacific Region is requesting a meeting with Senator Jaffer to support her in her efforts to date and to determine what other concrete steps can be taken to ensure that this issue receives the kind of public, governmental, and world attention that it deserves.

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Contact:
Romy Ritter, Community Relations Coordinator
Phone: (604) 257-5101
Fax: (604) 257-5131
E-mail: romyr@cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=662

CJC News Release: PACIFIC REGION MEETS WITH THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES

March 27, 2002 - PACIFIC REGION MEETS WITH THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES, THE HON. HERB DHALIWAL

VANCOUVER, B.C, March 7, 2002 -- The Leadership of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region met with the Minister of Natural Resources, the Hon. Herb Dhaliwal, to raise issues of concern to the Jewish community.

The CJC delegation met with the Minister as a follow-up to their meeting with the B. C. Federal Liberal Caucus held in January. At the meeting, CJC expressed the support of the Jewish community in the fight against terrorism, articulated the need for the Canadian Government to ensure that all linkages to terrorism are broken, and raised other issues of concern.

"Canadian Jewish Congress commends the government's efforts to defend Canadians and therefore the Jewish community against terrorism and yet still preserve civil liberties. However, the government's position regarding Israel and the Palestinian uprising is both confusing and ambivalent," stated Tony DuMoulin, Vice- Chair of CJC, Pacific Region.

The CJC delegation addressed Canada's voting record at the United Nations and the treatment of Israel at the United Nations as a source of deep concern for Canadian Jewry. "While such Canadian efforts are acknowledged and appreciated by Israel and by Canadian Jewry, Canada's overall voting record at the United Nations on Israel-related issues remains unsatisfactory," stated Mr. Mark Weintraub, CJC National Vice-President. He added, "We take seriously what politicians say in terms of their support for Israel, yet the voting record is contradictory. Canada's commitment to a fair and balanced approach is being compromised when there is evidence that Canada supports biased resolutions that use caustic language that are highly critical of one side in the Arab-Israel conflict. We strongly feel that Canada, which has traditionally adopted the role of "honest broker" in such International gatherings, has to re-evaluate this approach in light of the facts on the ground."

Members of the CJC, Pacific Region delegation raised the issue of the concerted anti-Zionist and antisemitic campaign that has blossomed under the auspices of the United Nations' World Conference Against Racism in Durban. "The Palestinian representatives, together with the support of Arab, Muslim and other delegates, cynically cast aside the conference?s universal objective to combat racism and hijacked it for the ill-intended partisan purpose of de-legitimizing the State of Israel and of undermining the historical experience of the Jewish people," stated Mr. Herb Silber, Regional Officer of CJC. Mr. Silber went on the say, "The Arab World, with the knowing complicity of well-meaning people, have launched an ideological war on the Jews in many different forums and that is why we need the Canadian Government to be even more vigilant than what occurred in Durban so that there is not a repeat. The Durban Conference, with the anti-Israel and antisemitic animus on full display, is a good example of an effort of politicizing International bodies and turning the agenda away from rightful concerns about racism, relief of hunger, refugees, human rights, and depriving the world?s most needy of assistance, including tens of millions of Muslims."

CJC delegates also expressed concern regarding Canadian grants to the Palestinian Authority. "We believe that Canada should demand that the Palestinian Authority provide tangible assurances that they are agents for peace and reject violence as a tool towards achieving Palestinian aspirations," said Mr. David Schwartz, Regional Officer of CJC. He went on to say, "While there is no specific evidence to suggest that Canadian aid dollars are being diverted from their intended use in support of humanitarian relief and toward the purchase of weapons, it is also the case that money is a fungible commodity and the danger of Canadian tax money being misused by Arafat in support of his military campaign against Israel cannot be discounted. Under no circumstances should Canada be seen as indirectly providing financial support to institutions of the Palestinian Authority that are waging war against Israel. The Canadian taxpayer has every right to demand that precise and completely transparent procedures through which Canadian officials will monitor carefully the administration of each and every assistance dollar. "

CJC, Pacific Region expressed Canadian Jewry's support for vigorous and consistent sentence-enhancement provisions for hate-motivated crimes and crimes against houses of worship and cemeteries. However, CJC, Pacific Region believes that Bill C-36 needs to be expanded to cover other communal property and institutions. In discussing community security, the issue raised was the dismantlement of the Provincial Hate Crime Team as a result of the Core Services Review. CJC expressed concern about the Team being rendered non-operational due to lack of funding and resources. The Hon. Herb Dhaliwal acknowledged the work of CJC, Pacific Region in the creation of the Hate Crime Team and assured the delegation that he would address in particular, this issue with the Solicitor General.

The CJC, Pacific Region delegation was pleased to have had the opportunity to exchange views with the Hon. Herb Dhaliwal and looks forward to continuing the dialogue on issues of vital importance to the Jewish community and to all Canadians.

For more information, please contact:

Erwin Nest, Executive Director

Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region

Suite 201 - 950 West 41st Avenue

Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 2N7

Phone: (604) 257-5101

Fax: (604) 257-5131

E-mail: erwinn@cjc.ca

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=29

CJC News Release: CJC reaffirms support for gun control law

Sep 01, 2000 - CJC reaffirms support for gun control law

Release no. 50

Ottawa - Concerned about an escalation by the gun lobby against Bill C-68, the gun control law, Canadian Jewish Congress is reiterating its support for the legislation. "Canadian Jewish Congress, along with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, consistently has supported the principle of firearms licensing and registration," stated Mark Weintraub, CJC's National Chair of Community Relations. "We believe Canada's exemplary police forces and the legislation act as main lines of defence in our country's efforts to remain a peaceful community committed to the rule of law."

"We are aware that some groups have expressed concerns regarding the implementation of the government's registration system," added Sheva Medjuck, CJC's National Chair of Social Action. "The government has responded to these concerns and has made the system more efficient and user friendly. The vast majority of Canadians continue to support the new law as a crucial step forward in ensuring that Canada becomes less rather than more of a violent society."

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For more information, please contact:

Ron Singer, Director of Research and Public Affairs

Canadian Jewish Congress

100 Sparks Street #650 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5B7

Tel.: (613) 233-8703 ext. 223

rons@cjc.ca

Manuel Prutschi, National Director of Community Relations

Canadian Jewish Congress

4600 Bathurst Street Toronto, Ontario M2R 3V2

Tel.: (416) 631-5673

mprutschi@ujafed.org

http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=174