Driven by a deep personal and professional commitment, Davina Eisenstat attended the Antisemitism: Face it, Fight it conference to gain essential tools and insights for addressing antisemitism in her community and work amidst a time of heightened tension.

Antisemitism: Face it, Fight it was an extensive two-day conference designed to provide advocacy training for Jewish leaders, students, community members, professionals, and other faith and ethnic leaders and partners. Davina was part of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton delegation at the conference in Ottawa on October 16-17, 2023, days after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.  

She says learning more about standing up and speaking out against antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate is important to her, especially given the many leadership roles she holds within her Jewish community. The conference helped her to gain the awareness, language, and tools needed to address antisemitism effectively in her various positions, which include being a Jewish Federation board member, co-chair of Genesis Edmonton, and an instructor with the Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association. “Being connected to the Jewish community means issues can arise, and I wanted to be more prepared to navigate those kinds of conversations,” she says.

Professionally, Davina also had sound reasons for attending. “As a diversity and inclusion professional, it was crucial to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what antisemitism is, and the impacts as well as the tools to address it. This conference would align perfectly with the day-to-day work that I do in creating safer, inclusive and welcoming spaces,” she adds. 

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) planned the conference before October 7, but it came at a pivotal moment. Davina felt that the timing highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue and learning. “It was an emotional experience, with attendees bringing a lot of feelings. As a community, we’re always ready to step up and act, but we also need to come together, connect, and understand that it’s okay to be upset and grieve at the same time. Both are important,” says Davina.  

Jewish Federations of Canada - United Jewish Appeal and Jewish Federations from across the country also sponsored the conference.

One of the standout moments for Davina was hearing Kasim Hafeez speak. Hafeez, a British Muslim who had once held antisemitic views, shared his transformative journey. “I remember his personal account vividly,” Davina recalled. “His vulnerability took me aback, standing in a room with thousands of people and admitting, ‘I used to hate Jewish people.’”  

Hafeez’s story of change was deeply moving for Davina. “Now he is a firm supporter and an ally for our (Jewish) community. His transformation was remarkable. You think individuals cannot change for the better, but there is hope that we can. People can be compassionate. It is kind of taking the blinders off and recognizing where they came from and the negative impacts. He’s a true testament to that,” she says. 

The conference also covered a broad range of topics, including how technology and AI can combat cyber hate, insights into hate legislation, and strategies for digital advocacy. “There were many topics covered. I think no matter what field you are in; the conference would resonate and land for you,” she adds. “I keep thinking about those who couldn’t attend or might not have been there. How can we engage those who would benefit from it, including those who aren’t part of the community or aren’t Jewish? This conference was truly for everyone.”