One focus of the Beth Tikvah Kavod Committee is Truth and Reconciliation: What can the Canadian Jewish community do to work toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples? Do we have a unique obligation to advocate for the cause?
Indigenous history of this land and the current realities of Indigenous people are now being taught in schools across Canada, but most adults were never taught the true history of the colonization of Canada and its negative impacts on Indigenous peoples today. These impacts include overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the Canadian prison system, violence against Indigenous women, disproportionate numbers of Indigenous children in foster care and unequal access to education and health care.
Many of our Jewish ancestors came to this land to escape persecution in other countries, and we were unaware of the similar harm that was being inflicted on the original inhabitants of this land. While we were not responsible for the colonization of this land, we continue to benefit from it. As Canada works towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, we all have a responsibility to learn the truth and take action. This falls within the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam, and we are responsible to do what we can to repair the world and help undo the harm that has been done.
Listen to this Podcast from Canadian Jewish News to learn more:
Please check back for ongoing learning opportunities! If you would like to join our study group on Truth and Reconciliation at Beth Tikvah, please email the Kavod committee at inclusion@btikvah.ca.
“It is not your obligation to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” Pirkei Avot 2:21
