The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) recently issued a strong condemnation of an anti-Israel campaign that seeks to discredit Jewish summer camps in Canada. This campaign has been spearheaded by an anti-Zionist coalition calling for the revocation of accreditation for organizations in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia that are associated with Israel. In their response, the OCA characterized the attacks on their executive director, Joy Levy, and member camps as threats that utilize harmful stereotypes and tropes related to Israel and Jewish identity.

In a statement published on Friday, the OCA emphasized that it will not tolerate harassment, intimidation, or any form of antisemitism and discrimination against its community members. The board highlighted that the negative portrayals stem from deeply rooted biases that have historically contributed to prejudice against Jewish people. The language used in the accusations, including terms like 'genocide' and 'colonizers', reflects a dangerous trend of framing Jewish support for Israel in a highly negative light, which they argue is often propagated with malicious intent.

The implications of this campaign extend beyond the immediate effects on the OCA and its member camps, as they threaten to undermine the safety and sense of belonging for Jewish children and families within the broader Canadian community. The OCA’s public pushback indicates a growing concern regarding the impact of such anti-Israel sentiment, particularly on young people who attend summer camps. By standing firm against these attacks, the OCA not only defends its organizational values but also seeks to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all children and families, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.