Former Egale Canada President Resigns to Focus on Antisemitism Fight
Jacki Lewis, the former board president of Egale Canada, a prominent national organization advocating for LGBT rights, has announced her resignation to dedicate her efforts to combating antisemitism. Lewis, who served as president for more than ten years, clarified that her departure is driven by a shift in her personal priorities toward addressing this issue.
Clarifying Misconceptions About Egale's Stance
In a statement, Lewis emphasized that she has never accused Egale Canada of being antisemitic and does not believe it to be so. "I have never said that Egale is antisemitic and I do not believe that it is," she stated, addressing media reports that suggested otherwise. She explained that her decision stems from a desire to align her work with her political focus on fighting antisemitism through the Tafsik Organization, a Jewish civil rights group.
Prioritizing the Fight Against the Muslim Brotherhood
Lewis highlighted that her resignation is motivated by a need to confront what she perceives as a significant threat. "I believe that the Muslim Brotherhood remains one of the greatest threats to Western democracy and our way of life, which includes the rights of the 2SLGBTQI community," she wrote in an email. She noted that while Egale Canada's current priorities lie elsewhere, her own commitment is to tackle this challenge head-on.
Response to Media Reports and Funding Concerns
Recent media coverage, including a post by Holly Doan of Blacklock's Reporter, suggested that Lewis resigned due to Egale's failure to address antisemitism adequately. However, Lewis disputes these claims, insisting she was misquoted. The reports also raised questions about whether federal funding for Egale Canada might be reconsidered, though agencies have not commented publicly.
Context of Rising Antisemitism in Canada
The resignation comes amid growing concerns about antisemitism in Canada. Since October 2023, data from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs indicates that the Jewish community, representing four percent of Toronto's population, faces 40 percent of hate crimes. Jewish communities, academics, and NGOs have pointed to gaps in institutional responses, with some advocacy groups arguing that progressive organizations, including those focused on LGBTQ+ rights, have been muted on this issue.
Egale Canada's Legacy and Ongoing Work
Egale Canada has a long history of fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals. In recent years, the organization has launched campaigns like "Hate Isn't History" in 2025 and "My Pride Won't Unravel" in 2023, highlighting ongoing challenges. Despite Lewis's departure, Egale continues its advocacy, emphasizing the critical need to combat hatred in all forms.
