Bay Street Financier Takes Stand Against Rising Antisemitism in Toronto
In response to a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents across Toronto, prominent Bay Street financier Steve Hudson has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at combating hatred through education and positive engagement. Hudson, who describes himself as "just a Catholic boy from Scarborough," has partnered with the Yorkville Jewish Centre to develop comprehensive programming designed to address antisemitism in schools, businesses, and community settings.
Personal Experience Drives Action
Hudson's decision to become involved stems from firsthand encounters with antisemitism in both his personal and professional life. "It opened my eyes to a prejudice that often hides behind polite excuses and coded language, yet causes profound harm," Hudson explained. He emphasized that antisemitism frequently operates subtly, noting that "sometimes, it whispers, and those whispers can be just as dangerous, making bias seem reasonable."
The financier believes strongly that fighting antisemitism cannot be left solely to the Jewish community. "Antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue – it is a human issue," Hudson stated. "If we permit hatred against one group to fester, it will eventually threaten every one of us."
The Steve Hudson Stand Up, Stand Together Initiative
Rather than focusing on confrontation or denunciation, the newly launched Steve Hudson Stand Up, Stand Together Initiative takes a proactive approach to combating antisemitism. The program seeks to expose more people to Jewish culture and traditions while providing opportunities for dialogue and education.
Rabbi Meir Dubrawsky of the Yorkville Jewish Centre, who is collaborating with Hudson on the initiative, believes that much antisemitism stems from simple lack of exposure. "Antisemitism is often the result of people never having encountered a Jewish person," Dubrawsky observed. He aims to change this through targeted outreach to educational institutions, including college and university campuses, as well as corporate boardrooms along Bay Street.
Educational Approach to Breaking Stereotypes
Rabbi Dubrawsky shared a revealing anecdote that illustrates the power of education in breaking down stereotypes. "I was in an Uber looking the way I look and the driver asked me if I'm part of the people that own all the diamonds in the world," the Rabbi recounted, referring to his traditional hat and beard. Rather than taking offense, Dubrawsky saw an opportunity. "I decided to view it as an opportunity to educate and communicate. And we ended up having a great conversation," he said. "Education and bridge building are the strongest tools we have."
Comprehensive Programming Components
The initiative will feature several key components designed to foster understanding and combat prejudice:
- An educational lecture series featuring both Canadian and international speakers
- A business leadership forum focused on ethics, leadership, and community responsibility
- The Stronger Together curriculum, offering tailored educational resources for schools, workplaces, and community groups
Alarming Statistics Highlight Urgent Need
The launch of this initiative comes at a critical time, as antisemitic incidents have seen a sharp increase following the October 7, 2023, terror attacks by Hamas against Israel. According to a Toronto Police report issued last year, despite comprising less than 4% of Toronto's population, Jewish residents were victims of 40% of all hate crimes reported in 2024.
The police data reveals particularly troubling trends:
- In 2024, there were 443 reported hate crimes, representing a 19% increase from the 372 occurrences reported in 2023
- Hate crimes have generally increased year-over-year since 2019
- A sharp increase of 80% occurred in 2023 immediately following the October 7 attack
Incidents have ranged from bullets and bricks being thrown through windows to a Jewish girls' school being shot at twice.
Building Allies in a Diverse City
Hudson and Rabbi Dubrawsky recognize that their outreach program must extend beyond the Jewish community to be effective. While the Toronto area is home to Canada's largest Jewish population, this still represents fewer than 250,000 people. "That's why they need allies to stand up to antisemitism and acts of hate," the initiative emphasizes.
The program's founders hope to change perspectives one mind and one heart at a time, believing that positive engagement and education offer the most sustainable path forward in combating prejudice. As Toronto continues to grapple with rising hate crimes, initiatives like the Steve Hudson Stand Up, Stand Together program represent a proactive approach to building a more inclusive and understanding community for all residents.
