WHO WE ARE
... people helping people
B’nai Brith Canada is the country’s oldest Human Rights organization. We are a principled grassroots voice, dedicated to eradicating racism, antisemitism and hatred in all its forms, championing the rights of the marginalized, while providing basic human needs for members of our community.
B'NAI BRITH CANADA ...
is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel and global Jewry, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in combating antisemitism and racism. Our support comes from thousands of Canadian families with diverse backgrounds and interests that empower the organization to speak to government, to media and to the public at large, on issues of concern to the Jewish community.
B’nai Brith’s wide-ranging educational and social programming, community and volunteer services, and human rights initiatives provide a source of connection, continuity and support to Canada’s Jewish community.
B’nai Brith Canada today is comprised of The League for Human Rights, B’nai Brith Sports, and Community Engagement Programming.
OUR MIsSION
OUR VISION
A stronger civil society in Canada, fostering diversity and inclusion.
OUR VALUES
We are a non-religious organization governed by the traditional Jewish precepts of:
Justice
Compassion
Benevolence
OUR HISTORY
B'NAI BRITH ORIGINS
“B’nai Brith has taken upon itself the mission of uniting persons of the Jewish faith in the work of promoting their highest interest and those of humanity; of developing and elevating the mental and moral character of the people of our faith; of inculcating the purest principles of philanthropy, honour and patriotism; of supporting science and art; alleviating the wants of the poor and needy; visiting and caring for the sick; coming to the rescue of victims of persecution; providing for, protecting and assisting the aged, the widow and orphan on the broadest principles of humanity.”
– Preamble to the B’nai Brith Constitution circa 1843
B’nai Brith Canada has had a presence in this country since its earliest days, with roots stretching back to 1875. It is Canadian Jewry’s most senior charitable service organization and is the national independent voice speaking out on behalf of grassroots Jewish Canadians.
In 1875, Lodge No. 246 was the first lodge founded in Toronto, followed soon after by another in Montreal, and then throughout the country. Many community leaders were associated with these lodges, including former Mayors of Toronto Philip Givens and Nathan Phillips, and Canada’s first Jewish Senator David Croll. Over time, a team of dedicated volunteers and professional staff engaged in combating antisemitism, bigotry and racism in Canada and abroad in addition to wide-ranging educational and social programming, community and volunteer services, and human initiatives. These and other activities undertaken are meant to reflect the organization’s commitment to “People Helping People”.
Just as B’nai Brith has grown and evolved over the years in order to respond to the particular needs of the time, so has Canadian Jewry undergone many transformations. Throughout, B’nai Brith has consistently employed its successful advocacy model of strong community results-oriented grassroots activism.
our leaders
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
jay harris
FCPA, CIRP, LIT
Jay Harris is the President of Harris & Partners Inc., a national insolvency firm operating across nine provinces. With a career spanning over three decades, Jay has become a distinguished figure in the field of insolvency, specializing in both corporate and consumer debt management.
Jay earned his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1984 and became a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) in 1993. His extensive experience in the insolvency sector includes various roles and responsibilities that have shaped his expertise and reputation.
From 1988 to 1989, Jay served as a board member of the Toronto Chartered Accountants Association. He later took on leadership roles within the York Region Chartered Accountants Association, serving as a board member and President from 1990 to 1994. Since 1997, he has been an active member of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Insolvency Practitioners Association, where he also served as President during 2001/2002.
Jay’s commitment to professional excellence is further demonstrated by his tenure on the Professional Conduct Committee for the Canadian Insolvency Practitioners Association from 2001 to 2004. In 2003, he represented Ontario trustees on a special task force to review the Toronto Registrar issue, highlighting his dedication to addressing critical industry concerns.
Beyond his professional commitments, Jay has been deeply involved in his community. Since 1998, he has been a member of the Board of Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am Synagogue, serving as President from 2003 to 2005. His leadership extended to B’nai Brith Canada, where he served as Chair of the Board from 2017 to 2021 and continues to contribute as Past Chair.
In recognition of his significant career achievements and contributions to the community, Jay was honored with the prestigious Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA) designation in 2017, the highest distinction within the CPA profession.
Jay is married, with three married sons and seven grandchildren, reflecting his strong family values and commitment to both his professional and personal life.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
(ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER)
Judy Foldes
Judy joined the Board of Directors of “B’nai Brith Canada 2.0” in 2014, which was tasked with rebuilding and revitalizing Canada’s oldest human rights organization. In January 2016, she stepped down from the Board to assume the role of Chief Operating Officer, working alongside newly appointed CEO Michael Mostyn. In this capacity, she led the implementation of a strong governance framework, developed and executed a fiscally responsible operating strategy, and played a key role in revitalizing the organization.
Prior to joining B’nai Brith, Judy’s 32-year professional career included 23 years with Teva Pharmaceuticals, culminating as the Chief Procurement Officer for PGT, a joint venture between Teva Pharmaceuticals and P&G, operating internationally.
Judy is a Senior Operations, Supply Chain and Procurement professional with over 40 years of experience in the not-for-profit, pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods industries. She has superior strategic planning, relationship building, negotiation, and communication skills, with expertise in transforming and building high performance teams, implementing process improvements, and consistently delivering bottom-line results.
