NDP Statement on Jewish Heritage Month 2024

Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“Today kicks off Jewish Heritage Month. Let’s take this month to celebrate the important role that Jewish Canadians have played and continue to play in communities across Canada and learn more about Jewish culture, faith and history. May is significant for Jewish communities around the world as it coincides with Shavuot, a holiday celebrating the spring harvest and commemorating the Torah.

As we celebrate the integral role the Jewish community in Canada has played in building a better Canada, let’s also not forget our country’s history of antisemitism. For decades, Jewish Canadians were excluded from social spaces, and discrimination was rampant. We must not take our inclusive and open country for granted. We must commit to rooting out antisemitism wherever it occurs, especially now, as antisemitism grows at a concerning pace in our country.

On behalf of all New Democrats, I would like to express our gratitude to the Jewish community for their invaluable contributions to our diverse and vibrant country. We extend our best wishes for a fruitful and joyful Canadian Jewish Heritage Month and encourage everyone to learn about the culture, history and vast achievements of Jewish Canadians.”