Winnipeg / Miami — Leah Goldstein, the sole Jewish member of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) board, announced her resignation this week, citing growing antisemitism and what she called a “hostile environment” toward Jewish voices within Canadian institutions.
In an interview with JNS, Goldstein said she relocated to Florida after facing repeated hostility and exclusion from museum leadership. “I feel safer in Florida than anywhere in Canada right now,” she stated, describing how Jewish concerns were often dismissed or politicized within the museum’s programming.
Goldstein’s resignation follows months of controversy surrounding the CMHR’s handling of exhibits related to Israel and antisemitism. Critics have accused the museum of downplaying Jewish suffering and avoiding displays about modern antisemitic attacks, while emphasizing other human rights narratives.
She noted that antisemitism in Canada has intensified since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, with Jewish students and professionals reporting harassment and threats. “It’s not just online hate—it’s institutional,” Goldstein said.
Community leaders in both Canada and Florida expressed support for her decision, calling it a wake‑up call about the erosion of safety and representation for Jews in Canadian public life.
Key Points
- Resignation: Leah Goldstein, only Jewish trustee of CMHR, steps down.
- Reason: Claims institutional hostility and rising antisemitism.
- Quote: “Safer in Florida than anywhere in Canada right now.”
- Context: Post–October 7 surge in antisemitic incidents across Canada.
- Criticism: Museum accused of minimizing Jewish and Israeli narratives.
Credit: Jewish News Syndicate (JNS)
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