Canada Strengthens Israel Support Amid Diplomatic Pressures

Jewish Services Canada-Chabad (JSC-Chabad) has been dedicated to bringing joy to incarcerated Jews in Canada, but this year, Talmudic students Shemaya and Yirmi faced a life-threatening car accident while en route to a prison. Despite their car crashing on black ice and being totaled, both students emerged unscathed, which they and Rabbi Michoel described as a 'Purim miracle.' The volunteers insisted on continuing their mission to provide support and spiritual guidance to the inmates, emphasizing the importance of their work. Meanwhile, Israeli legislator Sharren Haskell criticized the Canadian government's handling of support for the Jewish community, especially in light of rising antisemitism, urging for a stronger stance against funding organizations like UNRWA, which she claims have ties to terrorism. Haskell's comments reflect broader concerns regarding the safety of Jews in Canada following the increase in anti-Jewish sentiments and violence since the October 7 terror attacks. Canada's diplomatic position at the UN, historically supportive of Israel under both Conservative and Liberal governments, remains a point of contention amid calls for a reassessment of funding policies related to Palestinian organizations.