KLEIN: The Negev Gala – A night of celebration, courage and disappointment 

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Attending the Jewish National Foundation’s Negev Gala on Thursday evening was an experience that stirred a blend of pride and disappointment within me. The event was a commendable fundraiser for the Ethiopian Women’s Empowerment Centre, a noble cause that deserves widespread recognition.

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It was also an evening dedicated to honouring Moe Levy, a stalwart of our community and a tireless champion of human rights. Adding to the night’s allure was the chance to hear Mayim Bialik speak about her personal journey.

However, this inspiring evening was shadowed by a palpable fear due to a significant protest presence and the conspicuous absence of political leaders who should have stood against the protestors. 

Reflecting on last year’s Negev Gala, I recall the attendance of numerous politicians. This year, the bravery to attend was displayed solely by City Councillor Russ Wyatt and River Heights MLA Mike Moroz from the NDP.

The absence of Mayor Scott Gillingham and Premier Wab Kinew was particularly disheartening. What message does this convey? Social media is replete with images of these leaders attending various cultural events, yet they were noticeably missing from the Negev Gala. This discrepancy did not go unnoticed, and it was a topic of discussion among many attendees. 

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One might speculate whether the previous year’s political turnout was due to it being an election year. The presence of politicians tends to be more pronounced when votes are at stake. However, the question remains: were they afraid to be seen at a Jewish event this year? Their absence was a missed opportunity to honour Moe Levy, a pillar of our community. 

Moe Levy’s journey from arriving in Winnipeg as a teenager from India to becoming a significant figure in entrepreneurship, education, government, and philanthropy is nothing short of inspiring. His contributions have profoundly impacted both the Jewish and broader communities in Winnipeg, Canada, and Israel.

As the leader of The Asper Foundation, Moe has enhanced the Jewish community in Manitoba through education, culture, poverty reduction, and community development. He initiated a national student travel program for Holocaust and human rights education, which has benefited over 13,000 Canadian students, culminating in a trip to Washington, D.C. 

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Moe’s efforts extend to Israel, where he developed international teacher education programs in Holocaust education at Yad Vashem and established Community Action Centres for at-risk youth and underserved families of Russian and Ethiopian immigrants, among other nationwide initiatives. His instrumental role in founding the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Asper Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Management, now the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, further highlights his dedication to human rights and education. 

Currently, Moe has turned his focus to the Ethiopian Women’s Empowerment Centre, the very cause the Negev Gala was raising funds for. The fundraiser was a resounding success, breaking records by raising more than $800,000 for this worthy project. 

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However, the event was marred by antisemitic protests. These protests were not merely demonstrations against war; they were an affront to the Jewish people, placing the protesters on the wrong side of history.

Manitoba is home to thousands of people from diverse backgrounds, and it is unacceptable to protest against individuals based on their ethnicity or faith. I disapprove of the Russian war against Ukraine, yet I hold no ill will towards my Russian friends. Similarly, while I may criticize the Chinese government, I do not blame my Chinese friends. Antisemitism, however, seems to be disturbingly acceptable today. 

I stand firmly against war, and I have never heard anyone of the Jewish faith express a desire for it. We all yearn for peace.

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This is not the Canada I grew up in — a Canada that never tolerated hate and was a safe haven for people from around the world. Today, that safety is in jeopardy. When people are afraid to attend an event or practice their faith, we have failed as a nation and as a society. 

The Negev Gala was a night that highlighted both the resilience and vulnerabilities of a community. While it celebrated Moe Levy’s remarkable contributions and raised substantial funds for a worthy cause, the evening also underscored the urgent need for solidarity and the courage to stand against hate.

It is imperative that our political leaders recognize this and act accordingly, ensuring that Canada remains a beacon of tolerance and safety for all. 

— Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and is the President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.

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