Seeds of Hope: Creating Good from Conflict

Seeds of Hope: Creating Good from Conflict

by Bob Charendoff, lifelong congregant and former Chair of Holy Blossom’s Out of the Cold program

We all remember the encampments. Pro-Palestinians setting up on University campuses all over the country, in the United States, and around the world. At the University of Toronto, they held King’s College Circle hostage for 2 months, citing a “peaceful protest” against a perceived “genocide” Israel was waging on innocent Palestinians in Gaza, following the horrific attacks of October 7. It was all very unsettling, with subtle and not-so subtle threats toward Jewish students, the University, and others.

In early July, after an Ontario court granted an injunction to the University to clear the pro-Palestinian encampment on school property, protesters were ordered to take down tents by Wednesday at 6 p.m. Needless to say, this ruling was met with resistance. However, in the end, they seceded and broke camp. But, what was to come of all of the tents and other paraphernalia that had been occupying that space over that time?

I work for Seeds of Hope, an impactful, grass-roots charity for Torontonians living in poverty, suffering from food insecurity, and experiencing homelessness. All those tents were of no further use to the protesters, but they could be life-saving to people living rough outside, on sidewalks, in parks and forests. Fortunately, the organizers of the encampment were receptive to the idea. And, on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 3, by this interesting twist of fate, I found myself in the middle of the infamous U of T Encampment, witnessing first-hand the Pro-Palestinian/Anti-Israel protest. I was there, on behalf of Seeds of Hope, collecting tents and other equipment and supplies for re-distribution to people living rough outside.

I recall my Executive Director asking me if I’d be okay going there – if I’d be triggered by it all. Initially, I didn’t think I would. But I have to say, I’ve never felt like I did that day.  The atmosphere was something I’d never experienced. The hate and the anger was palpable. The air was thick, and everything felt blurred and fuzzy. I held my breath, and my tongue, and hid my Jewish identity.  Sensing that I was behind enemy lines, I couldn’t wait to get out. I can’t remember ever being so uncomfortable, and I thanked God once I was gone from there.

The silver lining, of course, was that for once, these tents and supplies would be used for good, to shelter good, decent, vulnerable people as they experience homelessness.

At least one good thing came from all this.