CIJA Launches LGBTQ+ advisory council

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has the established an LGBTQ+ Advisory Council. CIJA Chair David J. Cape issued the following statement:

“Our LGBTQ+ family and friends are an integral part of the Jewish people and Canadian society as a whole. We are excited to launch this vital initiative, which brings together a talented and diverse group of leaders and young professionals for the goal of strengthening our ties with the LGBTQ+ community. We look forward to working with the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, which will play a crucial role in providing CIJA with guidance on policies and issues, while expanding our capacity to connect with the broader LGBTQ+ community on matters of common cause.”

Tom Chervinsky, Chair of CIJA’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, issued the following statement:

“As someone who is Jewish and gay, I am heartened to see both the support and importance that the organized Jewish community is placing on building strong bridges of friendship and co-operation with the LGBTQ+ community. Our Jewish and sexual/gender identities are fundamental to who we are. Being able to integrate our whole selves into the fabric of both these communities makes each community, and all of Canada, stronger. It is an honour to get to work with so many dedicated Canadian volunteers to help make that possible.”

Background:

• CIJA’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council has been established to provide CIJA with guidance regarding policies and issues of interest to the LGBTQ+ community, while strengthening CIJA’s capacity to engage local LGBTQ+ activists and organizations across Canada.
• The Council consists of fourteen members from seven provinces.
• The Council includes both Jewish and non-Jewish members with a diverse range of professional and political backgrounds, including experience in law, academia, business, politics, advocacy and Jewish community work.
• A full list of members, including biographies, may be found
• Prior to the establishment of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, CIJA has been involved in various LGBTQ+ advocacy activities. This includes sponsoring outreach events at various Pride festivals across Canada and serving as one of several organizations on the Executive of Trans Equality Canada – a coalition urging Parliament to pass Bill C-16 to strengthen human rights and hate crimes protections for the Transgender community.

— Adir Krafman