Concerned residents are writing to Jill Andrew, MPP of St. Paul's Riding in Ontario to express deep concern and disappointment regarding the escalating antisemitism in our community, an issue that demands urgent attention and decisive action.

A phone call between Jill Andrew and a concerned constituent of St. Paul's on November 9, 2023, was expressly intended to address the escalating antisemitism in our community. Unfortunately, that discussion was hijacked by Jill Andrew's attempt to turn it into a Middle East crisis moment and her 'call for a ceasefire'.

Conflating middle east events with local antisemitism perpetuates our fear that local antisemitism is being dismissed or, worse, justified by drawing misguided connections to events in another part of the world. This is not just problematic; it's unacceptable and contributes to the systemic issues faced by Jews in our present environment.

Combined with the very real allegations of antisemitism and harassment of Jewish people against Jill Andrews and the NDP Party back in 2020, which has never been publicly resolved, our community has come together to demand Jill's urgent attention, acknowledgement and plans to curb antisemitism in Ontario.

Below are just a few of the alarming escalation we have been witness to and require urgent attention from Jill on: 

1. Disturbing chants designed to intimidate Jewish citizens at local rallies, openly calling for the annihilation of Jews globally, coupled with the brazen display of flags representing terrorist organizations, including ISIS, right in front of Jewish community centers, centres of transport (Union Station) centres of education and other public spaces

Pro-Hamas Demonstrators In Toronto Chant About Jews ...
Jewish students at York University sound alarm over ...
Heckling Jews heading into community centre crosses a ...

2. Unsettling disruptions and so-called 'protests' targeting Jewish-owned businesses such as Aroma and Indigo, with additional calls for boycotting local Jewish establishments in Ontario.

Jewish-owned Toronto cafes targeted in pro-Palestinian .
Groups condemn protests at Cafe Landwer, Ottawa ...
Indigo CEO Heather Reisman targeted in 'vile antisemitic attack:' group

3. The presence of a swastika at Northern Secondary School on 10/30 and the frustrating inability to promptly address it, resulting in an extended closure of a bathroom.  As of 11/11 this has still not been attended to. Why won’t the Union prioritize painting over hate symbols?

4. The continuous, unabated antisemitism within public institutions, exemplified by the CUPE Human Rights case and the deeply rooted systemic antisemitism within the TDSB via 'equity experts' such as Desmond Cole and Javier Davilla.

CUPE members launch human rights claim alleging union ...
Toronto District School Board apologizes for 'harm' caused ...
Toronto activist under fire for anti-Israel rant during address ..
Javier Davila Archives 

While Jill's silence on antisemitism is deafening, her support for some of the most problematic and recognized anti-Semites in our community has continued for years:

Continued support for Desmond Cole , who calls for the annihilation of a people within the TDSB.

Support of the distribution of hate literature at the TDSB, characterizing Israelis as thieves and murderers (we have Israeli's at our schools) (and here).

We demand Jill publicly recognizes the urgency of this matter and take swift, meaningful action against the hate. We expect more than just words; We expect tangible efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish constituents.

This is not a time for performative statements. It's a time for real, impactful change as Jill has shown she is extremely capable of. We eagerly await your immediate response and, more importantly, your allyship.