TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford extended greetings to Jewish communities across the province and beyond on Monday, marking the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. In a statement issued by the Premier’s Office, Ford highlighted both the spiritual significance of the holiday and the contributions of Ontario’s Jewish population, while emphasizing the province’s commitment to confronting antisemitism.
“At sundown tonight, Jewish communities across Ontario and around the world will gather to welcome Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish New Year and the start of the High Holy Days,” Ford said.
The Premier’s message comes as Jewish communities across Canada begin observing one of the most important periods in the Jewish calendar, which leads into Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. For many, Rosh Hashanah is not only a religious celebration but also a time to reflect on the past year and renew hopes for the year ahead.
“This is a special time to reflect on the year that’s passed and look ahead with hope,” Ford added. “Traditions like sounding the shofar, sharing apples and honey and gathering with loved ones remind us how important faith, family and community are.”
A Growing and Influential Community
Ontario is home to the largest Jewish population in Canada, with major communities concentrated in Toronto, Vaughan, Hamilton, Ottawa, and London. Jewish organizations in the province play a significant role in education, healthcare, arts, philanthropy, and business.
By drawing attention to those contributions, Ford framed the holiday as both a cultural and civic moment for the province. “Rosh Hashanah is a chance to celebrate the strength and spirit of Ontario’s Jewish community and all they have contributed to our great province,” the Premier said.
The Jewish community in Ontario has historically been active in business and professional services, particularly in Toronto’s financial, legal, and entrepreneurial sectors. Analysts note that acknowledgments from political leaders during significant religious observances are not only symbolic but also reinforce commitments to diversity, inclusion, and the fight against discrimination.
Standing Against Hate
Ford’s statement also addressed antisemitism, an issue that continues to be a concern both globally and domestically. According to data from B’nai Brith Canada, antisemitic incidents remain among the highest-reported hate crimes in the country.
“Today, and every day, we must also continue to stand together against antisemitism and all forms of hate,” Ford said. His remarks echo broader national conversations about hate speech, online extremism, and the role of government in protecting vulnerable communities.
The Ontario government has, in recent years, pledged funding for community security programs and educational initiatives aimed at combating prejudice. Ford’s latest comments reinforce his administration’s stance that antisemitism has no place in Ontario society.
A Message of Renewal
Beyond the political implications, Ford’s Rosh Hashanah message emphasized themes of renewal and optimism, sentiments that resonate during times of economic and social uncertainty.
“To everyone celebrating, I wish you a joyful Rosh Hashanah filled with health, happiness and renewal,” Ford said, closing his statement with the Hebrew greeting: “Shana Tova — Happy New Year!”
For Jewish families, the holiday traditionally includes synagogue services, festive meals, and the sounding of the shofar, a ram’s horn that symbolizes a spiritual wake-up call. Popular foods include apples dipped in honey, symbolizing hopes for a sweet year.
Broader Implications
Observers note that political leaders across Canada often issue greetings during major cultural and religious holidays as a way of acknowledging the province’s diversity. However, Ford’s remarks also underscore the intersection of culture, politics, and social cohesion at a time when global tensions and domestic challenges continue to shape public discourse.
Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown and continues for two days, is followed by a 10-day period of reflection leading to Yom Kippur. Collectively, these observances form the High Holy Days, the most sacred period in the Jewish religious year.
For businesses, especially those in cities with significant Jewish populations, the observance is a reminder of the importance of cultural awareness in workplace policies and customer relations. Many employers provide accommodations during this period, reflecting broader commitments to diversity and inclusion in the Canadian workplace.
Looking Ahead
As Ontario moves into the fall season, the Premier’s statement reflects a broader narrative of resilience and renewal, key themes not only for the Jewish community but also for the province at large.
By acknowledging faith traditions while stressing unity against hate, Ford’s message situates Rosh Hashanah as more than a cultural observance. It becomes, in his framing, a moment of collective reflection on the values of community, resilience, and shared responsibility.
With his closing words, Ford offered a reminder that the holiday’s message of hope and renewal carries resonance beyond the Jewish community, offering a timely opportunity for all Ontarians to reflect on the year past and the one ahead.
