Ontario Teachers Union Faces Backlash Over Antisemitism Training Provider
The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is facing significant criticism from Jewish labor organizations following its decision to hire Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), an anti-Zionist group, to deliver antisemitism training to union executives. This controversial move has sparked concerns about representation and ideological bias within the union's educational initiatives.
Jewish Labor Group Voices Strong Objections
The Canadian Jewish Labour Congress (CJLC) has emerged as a vocal critic of ETFO's selection, revealing that concerned Jewish members within the teachers union had reached out with objections. Leslie Wolfe of the CJLC expressed disappointment that despite initial consultations with Jewish members about potential training providers, ETFO proceeded with IJV regardless of these concerns.
"When they learned that IJV had been hired, it caused them to feel even more marginalized within their union," Wolfe stated, emphasizing the emotional impact on Jewish educators. "The concern is that IJV doesn't represent the mainstream majority understanding of antisemitism, nor their experience with it."
Controversial Stance on Antisemitism Definition
Central to the controversy is IJV's rejection of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's Working Definition of Antisemitism (IHRA-WDA), which has been widely adopted by governments and institutions globally. The anti-Zionist organization has publicly criticized this definition, arguing it serves to suppress legitimate criticism of Israel and Zionism by conflating such discourse with antisemitism.
On a dedicated website opposing the IHRA definition, IJV has accused pro-Israel advocates and government officials of utilizing the framework to shield Israel from accountability while allegedly excusing what they describe as "genocide" against Palestinians. This position places IJV at odds with mainstream Jewish organizations and government-adopted standards.
Growing Institutional Concern
B'nai Brith Canada has characterized ETFO's decision as "deeply concerning," suggesting it reveals a troubling disconnect between the teachers union and the broader Jewish community. Austin Parcels of B'nai Brith emphasized that antisemitism training for public educators should involve consultation with established Jewish institutions possessing recognized expertise in combating antisemitism.
"Antisemitism training for a public teachers' union should have been developed in consultation with leading Jewish institutions that possess recognized expertise in combating antisemitism," Parcels asserted. "IJV rejects the IHRA definition, advances a fringe ideological position within the Jewish community and promotes views that reject core elements of the Jewish faith."
Silence from Key Organizations
Both the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario and Independent Jewish Voices have declined to comment on the controversy, despite multiple requests for clarification regarding their partnership and training approach. This silence has only intensified scrutiny of the arrangement and raised questions about transparency in the union's decision-making process.
Wolfe further criticized ETFO's approach, suggesting the union appears "more interested in pushing forward a particular ideology than it is about understanding and representing its mainstream Jewish members." The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within educational institutions regarding appropriate approaches to sensitive topics like antisemitism education.
