Articles strongly criticizing the work of the Canadian Jewish Congress, by Laura Rosen Cohen and Colby Cosh, recently appeared in the National Post.

Cohen would have Congress address issues of essentially minor parochial concern of little import in serving the long-term interests of our community.

Cosh focused on Congress’ long-time support of anti-discrimination laws and the human rights commissions that administer those laws, as well as Congress’ support of the hate propaganda provisions in the Criminal Code. He described Congress as a member of the “anti-hate community.” It is hard to understand why any right-thinking Canadian would not be proud to be a member of a so-called anti-hate community.

Although I work with Congress as a member of its newly elected board of directors, I am not an apologist for Congress. In fact, board members are often Congress’ greatest critics. However, I am both assured and impressed that the CJC as a national Jewish organization is expending its energy in positive, progressive and forward-looking ways in order to serve the interests of Canadian Jewry and Canadian society at large.

Traditionally, the social action agenda of Congress has addressed important issues that affect society at large and those who are marginalized, including issues relating to the disabled, victims of poverty or injustice.

Congress has a long history of involvement in the development of ground-breaking fundamental legislation. CJC had a major role in the development of legislation combating discrimination in employment, housing and public services, dating back to the origins of the Ontario Human Rights Code. In the 1960s, Congress’ work with groups such as the Jewish Labour Committee and the Ontario Black Coalition lead to the development of the Code and the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Congress also served as an advocate in the development of anti-hate propaganda legislation, which lead to the amendments to the Criminal Code.

More recently, Congress has addressed a potpourri of legal issues of concern to the Jewish community. These include legal proceedings related to the deportation of war criminals, the prosecution of those who propagate hate, and measures to assist Jewish Canadians improperly prosecuted or imprisoned in foreign lands.

CJC has consistently viewed anti-hate propaganda legislation as providing a “fence of protection” for vulnerable minorities, given that history has demonstrated that hateful words can lead to hateful actions.

With the dark experience of the Holocaust etched into our very fabric, we, as a community, are particularly sensitive to the heart-rending hardships suffered by those in Darfur and elsewhere in the world. In furtherance of our Jewish values, we remain aware, vigilant and responsive to similar injustices and human suffering wherever they occur.

Congress supports the preservation and enhancement of Canada’s many multicultural and multi-ethnic communities. It works closely with other segments of our society in order to foster mutually beneficial relationships and to support the aspirations of other segments of the Canadian population. This has included meetings with members of Canada’s Muslim community,  First Nations communities and others.

Congress has also been concerned with cutting-edge issues that confront Canadian policy-makers, such as immigration, the funding of religiously based private schools and a host of issues dominating the contemporary political agenda. The CJC has been involved with the reasonable accommodation debate in Quebec, which affects those who wish to observe particular minority religious practices. Another important debate relates to the applicability of religiously based law such as Halachah or sharia in family-law-related issues versus the desire that all persons be treated equally under the law. And, of course, Congress deals with the ever-looming threat of anti-Semitism.

Other Jewish organizations are also dedicated to the achievement of similar goals, but in representing the various organized Jewish communities across Canada, Congress plays a major, leading role in addressing these objectives.

The leadership of Congress rests in the hands of dedicated individuals who, like Congress itself, are committed to ensuring the well-being of Canadian Jewry. Congress is not immune from informed criticism or constructive suggestions. But this vital organization should be supported and lauded for its enlightened, effective and strategic advocacy in support of our community interests and in support of a better Canada for all.