Action Item: Support the Hamilton Jewish Film Festival 

Friends, 

Last week, news broke that the Playhouse Cinema of Hamilton would indefinity postpone their hosting of the Hamilton Jewish Film Festival due to safety and security concerns. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that there had been and were no direct threats against the theatre. The Playhouse Cinema later clarified that “The postponement of this theatre rental was due to the high tensions surrounding current events in Gaza, and our own security concerns as a small business that serves the public.”   

When businesses and venues chose to isolate our community, reverse commitments, and refuse service, especially as a pre-emptive action to avoid the possibility of protest or controversy, it normalizes and justifies antisemitism. This is inexcusable. 

With assistance from Hamilton Mayer Andrea Horwath and her office, a new venue has been located: Peller Hall at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. The Film Festival will take place, as scheduled, on April 7th and continue through the 9th. A full listing of films, and ticket purchases can be made, here.  

The Holy Blossom Temple Advocacy Committee would like to encourage our members to make a point of supporting the Hamilton Jewish Film Festival this year. It is important for our Jewish Community to stand in solidarity.  

How can you take part?  

1. Purchase tickets and attend the film screenings at the Hamilton Jewish Film Festival. Film festival | Hamilton Jewish Federation (jewishhamilton.org) 
2.  Write a letter of appreciation, or call and thank Hamilton Mayor, Andrea Horwath, for her support. Her email is [email protected] and her office can be reached at 905-546-4200. 

Together we show our communities resilience and demonstrate our appreciation to elected leadership for rejecting this normalization of ‘blacklisting’ Jewish organizations.