Community Voices: Letters Address TDSB Politics and VE Day Remembrance

The Canadian Jewish News (CJN) has opened its platform to voices from the community, featuring a range of letters addressing various topics, including education politics in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the oversight of VE Day commemorations. This initiative aims to foster public discourse and reflect diverse perspectives within the Canadian Jewish community.

Education Politics in the TDSB

Several letters responded to Mitchell Consky’s articles on issues concerning the TDSB. One letter from Phyllis Levin, a former school principal, expressed support for the findings of the report submitted to Minister Calandra by the Jewish Educators and Families Association (JEFA). Levin emphasized that discrimination and racism have no place in schools and advocated for uniform curriculum standards across the province. She highlighted the need for all teachers to be adequately trained in approved materials to prioritize the learning needs of students.

Levin called for the establishment of processes that would allow students, staff, and parents to voice concerns and receive appropriate responses. She stressed that serious repercussions must be in place for those who bully or demean students, and insisted that teachers who misuse their authority should be removed from their positions.

Another letter, penned by Marjorie Gann, critiqued the TDSB for perceived inaction regarding antisemitism. Gann pointed out that the complaints from trustees Shelley Laskin and Gerri Gershon came after years of insufficient measures to address the issue. She criticized the board for reinstating a staff member who had previously linked to a controversial organization and for allowing political activities to infiltrate classroom settings. Gann argued that teachers should be instructed to leave personal political views out of the classroom, allowing a return to unbiased education focused on core subjects.

Protests and Community Perspectives

The letters also addressed the actions of a group known as Women in Black, who are protesting against Israeli government actions in Gaza. One letter from David Honigsburg questioned the effectiveness of their activism, suggesting that the group should facilitate educational experiences in Gaza to foster understanding. He proposed an initiative similar to Birthright Israel to explore Palestinian history and culture.

A response from Philip Berger defended the protesters, arguing that their efforts reflect a broader issue of antisemitism where Jews are often held collectively accountable for the actions of Israel. Berger asserted that antisemitism is a unique form of prejudice that targets Jews for actions taken by a foreign government, contrasting it with how other ethnic groups are treated in Canada.

The community’s engagement extended to VE Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on May 8, 2025. Peter Usher expressed disappointment that the CJN did not commemorate this significant event. He noted that while the newspaper covered the liberation of concentration camps, it overlooked the contributions of Jewish Canadians during the war. Usher urged for recognition of Jewish veterans who fought valiantly against Nazism and underscored that it is essential for the community to remember and celebrate their sacrifices.

Usher pointed out the importance of institutional memory, calling on synagogues and Jewish community centers to honor those who served. He lamented that the CJN, as a leading Jewish news organization, failed to lead in recognizing VE Day, suggesting that this oversight reflects a broader trend in the community’s focus.

The CJN continues to encourage letters from readers, fostering an environment where diverse opinions can contribute to the ongoing dialogue within the Canadian Jewish community. Readers interested in submitting their views can do so via the CJN’s online platform.