The ongoing war in Gaza has ignited a new wave of tension between the United Church of Canada, the country’s largest Protestant denomination, and Jewish groups across the nation. The church’s outspoken stance against Israel’s actions has sparked accusations of dividing Canadians and raising concerns about an “unhealthy obsession” with Israel and Jews.
In recent months, the church has made several bold statements, publicly condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which were launched in retaliation for the October 7 Hamas attacks. The church’s increasingly vocal positions on the conflict have caused a rift, drawing sharp responses from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and other pro-Israel groups in Canada.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how these tensions are affecting Canadian society.
United Church’s Position on Gaza Conflict
The United Church has been a long-time advocate for social justice, and in recent years, it has taken a more active role in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The church has condemned the violence from both sides, but its most recent statements have been unequivocally critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In August 2023, Rev. Michael Blair, the church’s general secretary, called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel until the country complies with a ruling from the International Court of Justice. The court’s opinion stated that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the West Bank and Gaza Strip, is unlawful.
By mid-November 2023, the United Church had called for Canada to implement a full arms embargo on Israel, impose sanctions, and even declare Israel an apartheid state. The church’s rhetoric, which includes terms like “ethnic cleansing,” “genocide,” and “Israeli state-sponsored terror,” has significantly worsened relations between the church and Jewish communities in Canada.
The Debate Within Canada: Jewish Groups React
Richard Marceau, Vice-President of External Affairs at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, has condemned the United Church’s approach, describing it as “problematic” and divisive. Marceau argues that the United Church’s stance is not helping to unite Canadians. Instead, it is singling out Israel, a country that holds significant cultural and religious importance to many Canadian Jews.
He argues, “Nobody in Israel cares what the United Church of Canada says or does. No one. Where it can have an impact is in Canada. Instead of bringing people together, the United Church is pulling people apart.”
This criticism reflects growing frustration within the Jewish community in Canada. Marceau’s concern is that the church’s actions are isolating Jews, particularly by labeling Israel’s policies as akin to apartheid, which is viewed as an attack on the Jewish right to self-determination.
A History of Tension Between the United Church and Jewish Groups
The relationship between the United Church and Canadian Jewish organizations has not been without controversy in the past. The church has historically shifted its stance on Israel, from supporting its establishment post-World War II to more critical positions in the decades that followed. This shift was partly influenced by the church’s evolving understanding of Zionism, Jewish persecution, and Palestinian rights.
In 2012, the United Church’s call for a boycott of goods produced by Jewish settlers in the West Bank led to a boycott of the church by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. This action marked a significant moment in the growing divide between the church and Jewish communities.
While the church has since attempted to repair these relations—launching initiatives like antisemitism education campaigns—the recent escalation over Gaza has reignited tensions, with some critics suggesting that the church’s rhetoric has become too inflammatory and one-sided.
Why This Issue Matters: The Role of Religion in Politics
This growing rift between the United Church and Jewish groups in Canada raises broader questions about the role of religious institutions in shaping political discourse. The United Church has long been a champion of progressive causes, including LGBT rights, universal healthcare, and sanctuary for refugees. However, its vocal condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza has placed it at odds with a significant segment of the Canadian population, including many Jewish Canadians.
One key issue here is how the church’s stance may influence public opinion and policy. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which the United Church has endorsed, is a highly controversial global campaign aimed at pressuring Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories. Critics argue that the BDS movement targets Israel unfairly and can foster antisemitic sentiments. Supporters, however, see it as a non-violent means of addressing what they consider to be human rights violations in the region.
As Avi Benlolo, a leading Jewish advocate in Canada, points out, “When they accuse Israel of being an apartheid state, what they’re doing, in effect, is negating the right of Jews to self-determination. The next step is that it should not exist.” This sentiment reflects the core concern of many in the Jewish community who feel that criticisms of Israel, particularly when framed as “apartheid” or “genocide,” can lead to delegitimizing the existence of Israel itself.
The Church’s Internal Divisions
Despite the growing external controversy, there are varying opinions within the United Church about how to approach the conflict. John Ryerson, a member of the United Church, has voiced concerns over the church’s use of the term “genocide,” which he believes serves as a polarizing term that shuts down meaningful conversation.
“We jumped on the genocide bandwagon very early,” Ryerson stated. “They took a side and stopped conversation.”
This internal debate shows that not all members of the United Church agree with its current stance on Gaza, and some argue for a more nuanced approach to the conflict.
What Happens Next: The Path Forward
The path forward for both the United Church and Jewish organizations in Canada remains uncertain. The growing division is likely to continue unless both sides can find a way to engage in dialogue that respects differing perspectives. For the United Church, a more balanced approach to its social justice work might help mitigate tensions and reduce the divisiveness of its rhetoric.
Meanwhile, Jewish groups will likely continue to advocate for the protection of Israel’s right to exist and its right to self-determination. The tensions between these two groups in Canada will remain a hot-button issue in the years to come, particularly as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict shows no signs of resolution.
Conclusion: Divisiveness or Dialogue?
As tensions continue to rise, it’s crucial that Canadian society finds a way to engage in conversations about Israel and Palestine without further dividing communities. The United Church of Canada, while undoubtedly motivated by a desire for justice, must consider the broader impact of its actions on Canadian Jewish communities.
Dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding will be essential if Canadians hope to bridge the gap between these two groups. The conversation around Gaza is not just about political ideologies—it’s about fostering unity in a country that thrives on diversity.
Photo credit: Doctors Without Borders
