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Statements

  • CJDT Response to Attack at a Synagogue in Manchester, England – October 2, 2025

    The Directors of the Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Toronto express our profound sorrow and condemnation in response to the violent attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, England, on October 2, 2025. An assault on a house of worship is an attack not only on those who gather in prayer, but on the very foundations of faith, community, and human dignity. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and community members affected, and we stand in steadfast solidarity with our Jewish siblings during this time of grief.

    This tragedy underscores the urgent responsibility we all share to resist hatred and division wherever they arise. Across borders and traditions, people of goodwill must continue to respond to such acts with compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to one another. The Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Toronto reaffirms its dedication to fostering mutual understanding, deepening friendship, and cultivating respect between our communities. We remain resolute that voices of intolerance will never overcome the bonds of trust and peace that unite us.

    We invite all members of our broader community to join us in remembrance, prayer, and a renewed commitment to dialogue. May the memory of those harmed be a blessing, and may this time of sorrow strengthen our collective resolve to work together for a world in which sacred spaces are secure, human dignity is safeguarded, and peace and justice are upheld.

    Furthermore, we strongly call on all levels of government to increase protections for houses of worship and to take decisive action to combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred. Preventing tragedies such as the attack in Manchester, as well as similar assaults on mosques and synagogues in Canada, must be a shared priority for the safety and flourishing of all communities.

  • CJDT Condemns the recent attacks on Kehillat Shaarei Torah Synagogue

    The members of the Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Toronto (CJDT) express our profound condemnation of the recent attacks on Kehillat Shaarei Torah Synagogue. These acts of violence are not only assaults on the Jewish community but also a reprehensible attack on the values of tolerance, respect, and unity that our society holds dear.

    A place of worship is a sanctuary where individuals come together to seek peace, solace, and spiritual growth. The attacks on Kehillat Shaarei Torah Synagogue are direct affronts to these principles and are attempts to instill fear and division within our community. Such actions are abhorrent and unacceptable, and they undermine the very fabric of our diverse and inclusive society.

    In the wake of these incidents, it is crucial for us to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and all those affected by these senseless acts of hate. We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their faith or background. It is through unity and mutual respect that we can overcome the forces of hatred and bigotry. We call upon all community leaders, elected officials, and citizens to come together in support of Kehillat Shaarei Torah Synagogue and the broader Jewish community Let us work collectively to promote understanding, tolerance, and compassion, and to ensure that such acts of hatred are met with unwavering resistance and condemnation.

    In conclusion, the members of CJDT stand with Kehillat Shaarei Torah Synagogue and the Jewish community in this difficult time. Together, we must remain vigilant and resolute in our efforts to build a society where everyone can live in peace and security, free from fear and discrimination.  

  • CJDT Denounces Attacks Unleashed by Hamas

    Toronto, ON – October 8, 2023 – As a body of Jews and Christians who have been pursuing interreligious understanding and friendship in the GTA for decades, the Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Toronto is stunned and heartbroken by the dramatic explosion of violence against Israel and its citizens in the last 36 hours.

    We denounce the killings, kidnappings and devastation unleashed by Hamas as the Jewish community prepared to celebrate the festival of Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in God’s Law). We weep that once again the Holy Land is stained with the blood of hundreds of innocent people, and we are saddened that the consequences of these attacks will result in further suffering for many Israeli and Palestinian people as well.

    We reject the logic of violence, and stand in solidarity with local Jewish communities who are understandably worried about the potential for these events to spill over into our region. We are united in praying for a swift cessation of this war, and we renew our commitment to dialogue as the only real path toward a future of greater hope. May the God whom we all adore guide us in this time of turmoil, darkness and pain. May God who makes peace in the heavenly places grant peace to Israel, and to the peoples of that Land, so sacred to us all.

    We offer our prayers for all those whose lives have been devastated by these tragic events.For more information, contact info@cjdt.org

  • CJDT responds to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    The Christian Jewish Dialogue of Toronto expresses its deep sorrow about ​Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, a country of people of many faiths.

    We are in awe of the tremendous bravery and determination of the Ukrainian people.

    We call on the Government of Canada to send aid and equipment to Ukraine and open our borders to receive refugees.

    ​We pray for success in stopping the invasion through sanctions and diplomatic efforts.

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