Steve Hudson, a financier from Scarborough, describes himself as a simple Catholic man, yet he’s become a pivotal force in a new initiative designed to combat the rising tide of antisemitism. He’s joined forces with the Yorkville Jewish Centre, driven by a personal conviction to address a prejudice he’s witnessed firsthand in both his professional and private life.
Hudson explains that antisemitism often doesn’t manifest as overt hostility, but rather as subtle biases cloaked in polite language. These quiet prejudices, he warns, are equally damaging, subtly justifying discrimination and fostering a climate of fear. He believes confronting this insidious form of hate is a moral imperative for everyone, not just the Jewish community.
“Antisemitism isn’t confined to one group; it’s a threat to all of humanity,” Hudson asserts. “Allowing hatred to take root anywhere ultimately endangers us all.” This conviction fuels the “Steve Hudson Stand Up, Stand Together Initiative,” a program focused not on condemnation, but on education and positive engagement.
Rabbi Meir Dubrawsky of the Yorkville Jewish Centre believes a core driver of antisemitism is simply a lack of familiarity. Many people, he notes, have never had a meaningful interaction with someone Jewish, leaving them vulnerable to harmful stereotypes. His vision is to bridge this gap through direct outreach, extending into schools, universities, and the heart of Toronto’s financial district.
The Rabbi recounts a recent experience in an Uber, where the driver, noticing his traditional attire, casually asked if he was connected to the global diamond trade. While the question wasn’t malicious, it revealed the persistence of deeply ingrained, inaccurate assumptions. He saw it as an opportunity, turning a potentially fraught moment into a constructive conversation.
The initiative will feature a diverse range of programs, including lectures from prominent Canadian and international speakers, a business leadership forum emphasizing ethical conduct, and “The Stronger Together” curriculum. This curriculum is designed to provide tailored educational resources for schools, workplaces, and community organizations, fostering understanding and challenging prejudice.
The urgency of this work is underscored by a disturbing trend: a significant surge in antisemitic incidents since the October 7th attacks. Even before any response, Jewish institutions – schools, community centers, synagogues – became targets of violence and intimidation. Bullets and bricks have been used, and a Jewish girls’ school was even targeted in a shooting.
Recent data from the Toronto Police Service paints a stark picture. Despite representing less than 4% of the city’s population, Jewish individuals were the victims of 40% of all reported hate crimes in 2024. Overall hate crime has been steadily increasing since 2019, with an alarming 80% jump in 2023 following the attacks on Israel.
Hudson and Rabbi Dubrawsky are realistic about the scale of the challenge. Toronto’s Jewish population, while the largest in Canada, remains a relatively small minority. They understand that lasting change requires allies – individuals willing to stand up against hate and actively promote inclusivity.
Their hope is to foster empathy and understanding, one conversation, one interaction at a time. The initiative is a call to action, a reminder that combating antisemitism is not just a Jewish responsibility, but a shared commitment to building a more just and equitable society for all.
