May 1, 2022
At the start of Jewish Heritage Month, B’nai Brith Canada salutes 42 jurisdictions – representing provinces, municipalities and school boards throughout Canada – who accepted our invitation to formally recognize the Month.
In an effort to enhance Parliament’s 2018 declaration of May as Jewish Heritage Month, B’nai Brith recently took it upon itself to diligently draw widespread support.
The Jewish community has a long and proud history in Canada and has made significant contributions to the well-being, growth, and prosperity of the country, despite having to overcome systemic barriers of discrimination.
“We felt the Month was not receiving the prominence it deserved,” said Marvin Rotrand, National Director of B’nai Brith’s League for Human Rights, who spearheaded the outreach initiative. “Against the appalling uptick of antisemitism in Canada in 2021, we felt it important to urge jurisdictions to recognize every May as Jewish Heritage Month. This spreads a positive message and provides an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate.”
“We are delighted that so many new jurisdictions are joining us in recognizing Jewish Heritage Month in Canada,” said Michael Mostyn, Chief Executive Officer of B’nai Brith Canada. “Some, like Victoria, B.C., adopted a proclamation, some like the English Montreal School Board adopted motions, while others like the City of Winnipeg issued official letters from their mayors. The goal was to heighten public awareness of Jewish Heritage Month and to encourage jurisdictions to host events that highlight the local Jewish communities. We are delighted to see such widespread support nationally.”
B’nai Brith’s League for Human Rights has created a website that outlines details of Canadian Jewish Heritage Month 2022 and profiles many jurisdictions adopting the Jewish Heritage Month this year.
In 2018, Parliament introduced “An Act respecting Canadian Jewish Heritage Month,” designating May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, recognizing the important contributions that Jewish Canadians have made.
