Letter of Solidarity
June 2024
Dear Jewish Community in the GTA,
Antisemitism is Unacceptable
As Christian ministers in the Greater Toronto Area, we are deeply troubled by the recent events of hatred and mistreatment towards the Jewish community. We want to express our deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of antisemitism in its various forms. We believe that every person, including the Jewish community should be treated with dignity, respect, and unconditional regard, and that hate directed toward your community is unacceptable.
Solidarity and Support
We stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters during these difficult times. Our hearts break for you, and we are committed to offering sincere prayers of love and support. We will continue to advocate for a world where all people can thrive and feel safe. We recognize and acknowledge the historical and ongoing injustices towards the Jewish community, and we commit to playing our part in addressing and combating antisemitism and declaring “Never Again!” We recognize that our faith communities share common roots, values, and a belief in a loving and compassionate G-d. We consider you to be our friends.
Standing with You
We want to assure you that we are with you, ready to listen, prepared to learn, and to walk beside you. We will stand with you in solidarity, working towards a future hope together where we all can live free from prejudice, fear and hate. We are inspired by your resilience, strength, and unwavering determination to be people of hope.
We pray that G-d's love and grace brings you comfort and strength during these challenging times. May G-d’s presence be a source of peace, healing, and hope for you and all those affected by hatred and discrimination. Most importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone!
If threats and intimidation toward your community continue, please know that we are committed to be people of action who will advocate for your safety and appeal to G-d and the governing authorities to ensure your right to gather safely for worship and learning.
Together in solidarity,
Christian Ministers in the Greater Toronto Area
Reverend Jeff Futers; Reverand Luciano Lombardi; Reverend Daniel Winter; Pastor Sonya Heath; Reverend Fred Middel; Pastor Timothy Woodcock; Reverend Christopher Padiath; Pastor Rick Hiebert; Reverend Tahseen Gill; Reverend Darryl Price; Pastor Paula Larmour; Reverend Terry Talbot; Pastor Jason Byassee; Pastor Brandon Malo; Reverend Dennis Oxford; Reverend Tony Baker; Reverend James Cantelon; Pastor Andrew Alava; Kathryn Cantelon; Reverend Ronald Matheson; Pastor Frank Seixas; Reverend Joel Spiridigliozzi; Pastor Jason Cleugh; Pastor Jonathan Osmond; Reverend Roger Malcolm; Reverend Alan Heath; Pastor Alysha Alava; Reverend David K. Larmour; Pastor Gary Campbell; Reverend Kenneth J. Larmour; Reverend Daniel DiSabatino; Reverend David Slater; Reverend Rick Busse; Reverend Robin Crosby; Reverend Heather Broomer; Reverend Sam Sibley; Pastor Daniel Colantonio; Pastor Leon Van Weerden; Reverend Elizabeth Maduri Oxford; Pastor Kristen Malcolm; Reverend Ben Johnston; Reverend Samuel Vijayasenan; Reverend Joshua Livingston; Reverend Darren J. Godfrey; Reverend Rich Janes; Reverend Liz Oxford; Pastor Shirley Drori; Reverend Karen Krakower, Reverend Joel St. John