Jamal Zahalka is a shining example of why Israel is not an "apartheid" state. On top of being an Arab-Israeli citizen, Zahalka is a member of Balad, a...

Located in the heart of down­town Toronto bor­dered by Col­lege and Dun­das to the north and south, to the east and west by Spad­ina and Bathurst...

Kugel shows up at every Jewish holiday in one outfit or another. A kugel is defined as a traditional Jewish casserole served as a desert or side dish. Either way, with Passover upon us and Easter coming, I thought it time I share my cleaned up, version of Sweet Potato Kugel.

True to form of Israel's detractors, the Toronto Star published a commentary this month which engaged in historical revisionism and outright lies by claiming that Israel has no legal claim to Jerusalem and areas of the West Bank, called until a few decades ago "Judea and Samaria", and now referred to by writer Carol Trainor as "occupied territories."

The claim of Toronto base group "Canadians against Bloodshed" that Zionist plots are behind recent massacre of Hazara community Shias in Balochistan province of Pakistan is bizarre and shocking. The poster of this protest clearly reads "Long live Shia Sunny Unity -- Down with Zionist plots."

Being hunted like animals is an indelible memory for me. One day, the Germans came to our factory unannounced as part of their relentless search in pursuit of prey. I distinctly remember Papa and Mama hurrying us up to the attic of the factory. This happened often. My father finally declared, "I cannot tolerate this any longer. We will go voluntarily to the trains rather than hide and wait to be captured." He was either completely nuts or incredibly courageous.

In 1994, while in the employ of the United Jewish Appeal and Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto, I was given the task of overseeing former Israeli prime minister Yitzchak Shamir's trip to Toronto. But of course, as fate would have it, Saudi Arabian sheiks were staying in the same hotel as he was. What was I to do?

I love Canada as a Jew, because religious Jews can walk to synagogue on Shabbat with their side curls and religious garb visible to all unlike France where such a display could be dangerous. We are a 'multifaith' country. אני אוהב את קנדה (Hebrew: I love Canada)

It was difficult for bullies to gain a public pulpit. Letters to newspapers were closely monitored to ensure that slander and intimidation were not published. Magazines and television likewise; the professional mainstream media for the most part undertook the responsibility to self-regulate. Today anyone can publish virtually anything, and personal attacks are de rigueure.

I should be grateful that my government cares enough to protect me (at least this aspect of me; they seem far less concerned about homophobia). But instead, I feel singled out. It's especially awkward since I didn't feel that unpopular in the first place.