Mayor Bevilacqua: Vaughan is committed to combatting antisemitism and all forms of racism

Municipalinfonet.com
Jan. 24, 2022

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the following statement after chairing the Ontario Municipal Leaders Summit on Antisemitism hosted by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) on Friday, Jan. 21:

"Today, I chaired the Municipal Leaders Summit on Antisemitism hosted by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). The summit brought together elected officials, police chiefs and police service members from across Ontario. It was an opportunity for like-minded community leaders to gather to better understand the pervasiveness of antisemitism in our neighbourhoods and identify concrete measures to address the issues facing Jewish communities, including implementing and improving existing programs and other responsive initiatives.

"Antisemitism has no place in Vaughan. We continue to stand up against all forms of hate, systemic racism and intolerance, yet we understand that our community is not immune from hate-motivated violence. We cannot sit idly by as discrimination continues to undermine our collective well-being -- we must tackle it head-on. The City continues to condemn all forms of racism and remains committed to defending diversity, inclusion and human rights.

"As home to one of the largest Jewish communities outside of Israel, Vaughan has been positively influenced by the social, cultural and economic contributions of the Jewish community. Our city shares a strong and enduring relationship with the State of Israel. We deeply value our role as an important centre for the spiritual, cultural, economic, social and educational needs of Jewish families in Vaughan. Our progress on many key city-building initiatives would not be possible without our collective commitment to mutual respect and understanding.

"Last summer, I participated in the federal government's National Summit on Antisemitism that brought together a diverse group of community and political leaders, academics, activists and members with intersectional identities. I was part of a panel discussion focused on combatting antisemitism in our communities, alongside national community leaders. The discussion highlighted the critical role that local leaders can exercise in shaping effective policy outcomes to combat racism in all its forms. Today's summit continues this important dialogue.

"In 2020, Council proclaimed Jan. 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Vaughan. I was proud to introduce that motion, which included the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. Vaughan is the first municipality in Canada to adopt IHRA's definition and has since been joined by communities in Ontario and across the country.

"In November 2020, I called a Special Committee of the Whole meeting to address issues of racism and to further advance and raise awareness about the City's diversity, inclusion and anti-racism efforts. In January 2021, the City welcomed its first-ever Diversity and Inclusion Officer with a mandate to influence the corporation's activities, provide strategic guidance and advise on policies, processes and procedures related to diversity and inclusion. The ideas exchanged during the November Special Committee of the Whole meeting continue to inform the mandate of the City's Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and the work undertaken by Vaughan's Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

"In Nov. 2021 I hosted the inaugural Vaughan-Ramla Summit in partnership with Mayor Michael Vidal from the City of Ramla, Israel. The virtual summit marked the two-year anniversary since the City of Vaughan led a business mission to Israel in 2019. The Vaughan-Ramla Summit focused on key pillars, including combatting antisemitism, racism and encouraging interfaith dialogue. Discussion included developing ideas, objectives and deliverables that will make up the new four-year Vaughan-Ramla Cultural Partnership Action Plan for presentation and Council approval in 2023.

"While today's summit has concluded, our work is not done. Today, I was proud to take the Ontario municipal leaders' pledge against antisemitism. A commitment to always speak up, to work with our local communities, and to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. I want to extend my gratitude to all of the Summit participants for their commitment to working together to further identify and combat antisemitism, build upon and improve existing programs, and empower and enable the diverse Jewish communities in Ontario. Today's summit was another important and productive step to consciously building a more accepting and inclusive society."