Canadian Jewish News

Canadian Jewish News
Name	Canadian Jewish News
Type	Weekly newspaper
Format	Tabloid
Founded	1960
Founder	Myer Lewin
Language	English
Headquarters	Toronto, Ontario

Canadian Jewish News is a Toronto-based Jewish community weekly newspaper and online publication. Founded in 1960, the paper covers Jewish affairs in Canada, Israel, and the Jewish diaspora, reporting on religious, cultural, political, and social topics relevant to Canadian Jews. Its coverage spans municipal politics in Toronto, federal affairs in Ottawa, international diplomacy in Jerusalem, and community life across cities such as Montreal, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.

History

The paper was established in 1960 by Myer Lewin amid postwar demographic shifts affecting communities in Montreal and Toronto. Over decades the outlet chronicled events including Canadian responses to the Six-Day War, reactions to the Yom Kippur War, and Canadian engagements with the United Nations on matters relating to Israel and Jewish refugees. It reported extensively on local matters such as the migration of Jewish families to suburbs like North York and Scarborough, the evolution of institutions like Holy Blossom Temple and Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, and community responses to incidents connected to the Soviet Jewry movement and the fall of the Soviet Union. The publication documented national milestones including debates over the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, responses to the Quebec referendums on sovereignty, and interactions with federal leaders such as Pierre Trudeau and Brian Mulroney.

Ownership and Management

Ownership has changed multiple times, reflecting shifts in media consolidation involving publishers and private investors from Toronto and elsewhere. Management teams have included editors and executives with backgrounds at organizations like the Canadian Jewish Congress and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. Notable figures associated with the paper across eras include editors who previously worked at publications such as The Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, and community journals in Montreal and Winnipeg. Boards and advisory groups have featured leaders from institutions including Federation CJA, United Jewish Appeal, and academic centers such as the University of Toronto and McGill University.

Editorial Stance and Content

Editorially, the newspaper has published opinion pieces and reporting on Israeli politics involving parties such as Likud and Labor and covered diplomatic developments including negotiations with the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Oslo Accords. It has featured columns by commentators connected to think tanks like the Munk School of Global Affairs and universities including Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Bar-Ilan University, and Tel Aviv University. Coverage spans cultural reporting on festivals like Hanukkah and Passover, profiles of artists linked to venues such as Place des Arts and Roy Thomson Hall, and reviews of books published by houses like Penguin Random House and academic presses. The publication has carried investigative pieces on issues involving institutions like the RCMP and municipal bodies in Toronto City Council.

Distribution and Readership

Distributed in print and online, the paper reaches communities across provinces including Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. Readership includes members of congregations such as Beth Tzedec Congregation and Adath Israel Congregation, alumni and faculty of universities like York University and University of British Columbia, and professionals working at organizations including B'nai Brith Canada and Jewish National Fund. The publication attracts readers interested in Israel-related affairs involving leaders such as Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres, Canadian politics with figures like Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper, and international diplomacy involving actors like John Kerry and Angela Merkel.

Controversies and Criticism

Over its history the paper has faced controversies related to editorial decisions, reporting on contentious figures such as supporters and critics of Benjamin Netanyahu and debates over coverage of movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions). Critics from organizations including Canadian Arab Federation and advocacy groups tied to universities such as McMaster University have at times challenged its framing of events. Legal disputes and labor disagreements have involved unions and associations akin to those representing journalists at outlets like CTV, CBC, and Global Television Network. Public controversies have intersected with high-profile incidents involving politicians such as Evelyn Granville — and with international incidents covered by agencies like Reuters and Associated Press.

Awards and Recognition

The newspaper and its staff have received awards and recognition from community organizations including Federation CJA and journalism bodies comparable to the Canadian Association of Journalists and the National Newspaper Awards. Contributors affiliated with academic institutions such as McGill University, University of Toronto, and University of Ottawa have received honors for investigative work and cultural reporting. Independent commentators and columnists associated with the paper have been cited in publications like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Haaretz for commentary on Canadian Jewish life and Israeli affairs.

Category:Newspapers published in Toronto