Today, leaders across Canada are announcing the launch of Allies for a Strong Canada (AFSC). As a group of proud Canadians, AFSC is made up of those across Canada who are motivated to speak up and speak against the rising tide of antisemitism occuring in our country, and the targeting of our Jewish neighbours. “I have proudly served this country as a soldier, including as the Chief of Defence Staff for the Canadian Armed Forces for the majority of my adult life. I have been motivated to make my voice heard about the rising tide of antisemitism and to try and motivate other Canadians to also speak and declare that this is not acceptable. Our country is not one where hatred becomes the accepted norm. Where it becomes something that you tolerate every single day. As a collective voice, we as Canadians need to encourage our elected leaders to take the action that our laws demand when hatred has manifested in the way that we have seen it. This is about the values we must be standing up for and the country we want to be. Antisemitism isn’t just a threat against the Jewish community, it’s a threat to our democracy,” said General (retired) Rick Hillier, Honourary Patron of AFSC. The antisemitic hatred that has boiled over onto the streets over the last year is unacceptable. Leaders at all levels of government, in the media, in social and cultural organizations have a duty to speak out and to stand against it. “Vandalism, arson, violent protests and assaults have become all too common in the lives of Jewish Canadians. Jewish-owned businesses, community centres, places of worship and even schools have been targeted. Allies of the Jewish community cannot be silent in the face of this growing hatred. To learn how you can stand with our friends in the Jewish community and stand against hate, follow us on social media and sign up at theallies.ca to learn more. Fighting antisemitism isn’t just a Jewish issue, it is a Canadian issue. And it is time for Canadians to stand up,” said Michael Westcott, CEO of Allies for a Strong Canada. Allies for a Strong Canada brings together a diverse group of Canadians from across the country to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. The time has come for allies of the Jewish community to stand together against the hatred. For interviews and further details: Ariella Kimmel [email protected] or 613-884-9125