WHEREAS, This month we celebrate the history, culture and traditions of the Jewish community in Canada; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Heritage Month was proclaimed by Ontario in 2012 (Bill 17) and federally in 2018, this month honours the Jewish community’s profound impact on our local societies and country as a whole, including in business, politics, arts, science and medicine; and
WHEREAS, The combined Jewish communities across Canada currently make up the 4th largest Jewish population in any given country; and
WHEREAS, The Southern Georgian Bay Jewish Community (SGBJC) supports unity and inclusion while also honouring diversity among our neighbours. As we honour the Jewish communities across all of Canada, we also acknowledge the longstanding antisemitic hate that continues to be on the rise and that specifically targets Jewish individuals, schools, synagogues, homes and businesses; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Collingwood condemns all forms of hate and remains committed to being a place that is peaceful and inclusive of all residents. The Town of Collingwood proclaims that antisemitism has no place in our town or country.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Yvonne Hamlin, Mayor of the Town of Collingwood,
DO HEREBY PROCLAIM May 2026 as “Jewish Heritage Month” in the Town of Collingwood,
and encourage residents of Collingwood to learn more about our local Jewish community.
Dated this 1st day of May 2026.