Former Egale Canada President Steps Down to Focus on Antisemitism Fight
Jacki Lewis, the former board president of Egale Canada, a prominent national organization advocating for LGBT rights, has announced her resignation to dedicate her efforts to combating antisemitism. Lewis, who served as president for more than ten years, stated that her departure is driven by a shift in her political priorities toward addressing antisemitism through her involvement with the Tafsik Organization, a Jewish civil rights group.
Clarifying Misquotes and Media Reports
In an email to the National Post, Lewis emphasized that her resignation is not due to any belief that Egale Canada is antisemitic. "I have never said that Egale is antisemitic and I do not believe that it is," she clarified, disputing media reports that suggested she left because the organization failed to include antisemitism in its advocacy work. Lewis explained that her focus now lies with fighting the Muslim Brotherhood, which she views as a significant threat to Western democracy and the rights of the 2SLGBTQI community.
Lewis's background includes 30 years of experience as a managing partner at Toronto law firm Lewis & Associates, representing refugees before the Refugee Protection Division and Federal Court of Canada. Her decision highlights a personal realignment of her advocacy efforts, rather than a critique of Egale's mission.
Context of Antisemitism in Canada
Since October 7, 2023, concerns about antisemitism have intensified in Canada. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has reported that while the Jewish community makes up four percent of Toronto's population, it faces 40 percent of hate crimes. This alarming statistic has prompted calls for stronger institutional responses from Jewish communities, academics, and NGOs.
Some advocacy groups argue that certain progressive organizations, including those focused on LGBTQ+ and human rights, have been hesitant or ambiguous in addressing antisemitism. This backdrop adds depth to Lewis's resignation and her new focus on combating such hatred.
Egale Canada's Ongoing Advocacy
Egale Canada remains a key player in the fight for 2SLGBTQI rights, with a long history of battling discrimination and hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2025, the organization launched the "Hate Isn't History" campaign during Pride Month, highlighting the persistent violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Similarly, in 2023, Egale's "My Pride Won't Unravel" campaign visualized nearly 6,500 incidents of anti-LGBTQ+ hatred tracked in the first three months of that year.
Lewis acknowledged that Egale's current priorities do not align with her focus on the Muslim Brotherhood, stating, "It is not the priority of Egale at this time, to take on the fight against the Muslim Brotherhood. Their focus lies elsewhere." This divergence underscores the evolving nature of advocacy work within Canada's social justice landscape.
Media and Funding Implications
In a social media post, Holly Doan, publisher of Blacklock's Reporter, suggested that Lewis resigned due to complaints about the LGBTQ community's failure to confront antisemitism, noting that federal agencies have not commented on whether funding for Egale Canada will be reconsidered. This has sparked discussions about the intersection of funding, advocacy, and public perception in nonprofit sectors.
Lewis's move signals a personal commitment to addressing what she perceives as critical threats, while Egale Canada continues its dedicated work in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and safety across the nation.
