Canadian Jewish Heritage Month 2024

May 1, 2024 - Defence Stories

The month of May is Canadian Jewish Heritage month. It is an opportunity to recognize the contributions people of the Jewish faith and descent have made to the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and to their communities. It also offers DND/CAF an opportunity to acknowledge and speak out against the existence of antisemitic sentiments and the rise of anti-Jewish hate groups in Canada and globally. Within the Defence Team it is crucial that we respect religious and cultural diversity and that we foster an inclusive workplace.

Honouring Canadian Jewish Canadian Armed Forces members

Throughout history, Jewish Canadian CAF members have, and continue to, contribute greatly to the protection and service of Canada and Canadians. During the Second World War more than 17,000 people from Canada’s small, wartime Jewish community of 168,000 residents served in the CAF. Despite the hardships they faced, their service was impactful and key to the success of many operations.

Hardships faced by Jewish people looking to serve in Canada began with recruitment. When trying to enlist and serve with their fellow Canadians, some Jewish people were rejected due to recruiting policies that included restrictive ethnic and citizenship elements, which weren’t fully lifted for those of Jewish descent until 1942.  When Jewish Canadians were allowed to serve in the CAF, many still experienced antisemitic attitudes and lack of religious respect from those around them. Jewish military members found themselves having to choose between following their faith (for example, eating kosher food) or being malnourished in the field.

In addition to antisemitism within their own rank and organization, Jewish people also had to decide whether to disclose their religion on their intake forms. If they did, it would appear on their identity disk (or “dog tag”) which put them at a greater risk of harm if captured. Those who did include their religion would try to discard their identity disk if captured to avoid unfair and far worse treatment than their non-Jewish colleagues.

The challenges of wartime were made increasingly difficult for Jewish people due to antisemitic behaviours, yet they remained resilient and overcame adversity to serve our country. Being of Jewish faith should not have added such fear and difficulty, especially within their own ranks. Sadly, this was the reality for many Jewish Canadians who enlisted, and a reality DND/CAF never wishes to repeat.

Education is key

During Canadian Jewish History Month, we recognize and honour the bravery and resilience of Jewish communities. Jewish people in Canada continue to face discrimination and the Defence Team must stand in solidarity to eliminate all forms of antisemitism in the workplace so Jewish Defence Team members can contribute meaningfully to the operational success of the CAF.

Judaism has a rich history, with unique communities and sub-ethnicities. We should allow ourselves to learn from the lived experiences of Jewish Defence Team members. Let us acknowledge and fight against the antisemitism they face, past or present.

Below are several resources and organizations available to Defence Team members:

• The Canadian Jewish Heritage Month Act is the act respecting Canadian Jewish Heritage Month each year.
• Jewishheritage.ca is the official website for Jewish Heritage Month in Canada.
• Jewish Canadian service in the Second World War from Veterans Affairs Canada provides information on this part of our past.
• Inspiration, Courage, Leadership: Captain (Rabbi) Samuel Cass’ story as a Jewish Chaplain serving during the Second World War.
• Faith at Sea, the story of Captain (Rabbi) Noteh Glogauer, a CAF Chaplain.
• The Defence Team Anti-Racism Resource Hub is a website with guides, tip sheets, and resources to help Defence Team members on their journey to accelerate systemic change within the Department.

Connect

• The Jewish Public Servants’ Network offers a forum to discuss issues impacting Jewish public servants and to realize a truly inclusive federal public service.