*URGENT ACTION FOR JUSTICE* As salaam alaykum, I hope this message finds you in the best state of Eman and health. Please check the link and attached document. This needs to be addressed urgently by imams in the gta and by parents. The TDSB is considering passing a bill that equates anti-zionism with anti- semitism, thereby blocking any opposition to the atrocities of genocide in Palestine. Please help address, and share. This is targeting Palestinians and pro-Palestinians seeking justice against the genocidal actions of the Zionist regime of occupied Palestine. https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Agendas-Minutes/Type/A?Folder=Agenda%2f20250212&Filename=8.1.pdf Here is the contact at TDSB - [email protected] - Equity Superintendent Here's a *draft letter* you can send to a TDSB trustee regarding the upcoming agenda item: -- [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, Postal Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Trustee's Name] Toronto District School Board [Trustee's Address] [City, Postal Code] Dear Trustee [Trustee's Last Name], I am writing to express my concern about the upcoming motion on February 12, 2025, at the Planning and Priorities Committee meeting, regarding the “Affirming Jewish Identities and Addressing Antisemitism and the Combatting Hate and Racism Strategy” update. The Board’s decision to formally “receive” this document, which is expected to shape the way antisemitism and Jewish identity are addressed in our schools, raises several serious issues that I believe need to be addressed before it is approved. While the intention to address antisemitism is important, the current language in this document fails to accurately reflect the diversity of Jewish identities and perspectives. In particular, it conflates Jewish identity with Zionism and the Israeli state, thus marginalizing Jewish individuals who hold anti-Zionist views, including many within our own community. It is vital that the TDSB recognizes that not all Jewish individuals support Zionism or the policies of the Israeli government. In fact, there is a significant number of Jewish students and families who oppose these policies on ethical, political, or religious grounds. This perspective is mostly absent from the current draft of the document. Moreover, the document dangerously expands the definition of antisemitism to include criticism of Zionism. Anti-Zionism is a political stance and should not be equated with antisemitism, as doing so violates the Ontario Human Rights Code, which does not protect political ideologies from criticism. By framing anti-Zionist views as hate speech, the document risks stifling important political discourse and suppressing the rights of Palestinian students and their allies to express their political beliefs. Additionally, I am concerned that the document positions Jewish student safety as being in conflict with Palestinian and racialized students' right to express their identities and political views. This approach fosters a school climate where Palestinian students, and students of other marginalized racialized groups, may be surveilled or silenced. The Board must ensure that all students, including Palestinian students, are allowed the same right to political expression as their Jewish peers, and that their safety and identities are also protected. The TDSB prides itself on its commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. However, the current draft contradicts these values by failing to apply an intersectional, anti-oppressive framework to the issue of antisemitism and other forms of hate. It also continues harmful partnerships with organizations that have a history of suppressing student activism for Palestinian rights and promoting Islamophobia. These partnerships must be reconsidered, and the TDSB should prioritize supporting students over political lobby groups. I urge you to ensure that this document is sent back for revision. Specifically, I ask that it: 1. Accurately reflects the diversity of Jewish perspectives, including anti-Zionist Jewish voices. 2. Clearly distinguishes between Jewish identity and Zionism, affirming that Jewish students hold diverse political views. 3. Adheres to anti-racist and inclusive practices, consistent with the TDSB’s human rights policies and the Ontario Human Rights Code. 4. Supports the rights of Palestinian and other racialized students to express their political views without fear of surveillance or suppression. 5. Ends harmful partnerships with organizations that have a history of undermining Palestinian rights and engaging in racism. Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue. I hope that you will advocate for a revised approach that better represents the diverse views of the Jewish community and ensures that all students’ rights are respected and protected. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Signature] Feel free to personalize this letter further as needed! *Please take action now*!!! JazakAllah Khair