Advocacy @ HBT: The week of February 13, 2026

Advocacy @HBT: State of World Jewry Address Raises Big Questions

Last week, New York Times Columnist Bret Stephens was invited to give the “State of World Jewry” address at the 92nd Street Y in New York. 

In his address, he challenged the way that Jewish organizations and Jewish communities have been engaging in advocacy and fighting antisemitism. You can listen to his 35-minute speech here.  

Both Rabbi Splansky and Rabbi Kaye responded to Mr. Stephens on Shabbat this last week. Their respective sermons, from Friday Night and Shabbat Morning, are now available to watch online.  

As a committee, we agree that the central strategic goal for Jewish communities should be strengthening Jewish identity and not just fighting antisemitism.  Literate and joyful Jews know their own story and live richer lives.  A focus on day school, Jewish camp, adult education, our synagogues, and Jewish cultural institutions is where the community should put its time and treasure.  

Having said this, we also believe that our Jewish community has an obligation to protect its own safety, and part of that safety is won through advocacy. This is why our advocacy work – with the valuable assistance of our interfaith partners – will continue to be aimed at municipal, provincial and federal governments. It is also why our outreach will continue to all levels of law enforcement. 

We encourage you to listen to Mr. Stephens and to our Rabbis, so that you too can be involved in the important conversation going on in Jewish spaces about advocacy and antisemitism.  

Learn more about Advocacy here.