Jewish Heritage Month: Faye Mishna is celebrated for her contributions to Canada

In recognition of Jewish Heritage Month, the Toronto chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada shared a video highlighting the role that Canadian Jewish women have played, and continue to play, in Canada. Professor and former Dean Faye Mishna is among those recognized.

Mishna is lauded for her internationally renowned research on bullying, cyber bullying, sexting, and cyber counselling, which has had a profound impact on the lives of children and families. She served as Dean at FIFSW for 10 years from 2009 to 2019.

A leader within U of T, Mishna was a member of the University’s Anti-Semitism Working Group. In December 2021, the group delivered its final report on how the University can provide a more inclusive space for its Jewish community members. Chief among its recommendations was the call to situate anti-Semitism within the broader framework of its equity, anti-racism and exclusion initiatives “taking it as seriously as it takes other forms of racism and exclusion,” by ensuring that “University Equity staff are adequately equipped to address anti-Semitism in the same ways that they address other forms of hatred and racism.”

“This is a huge change— and long overdue,” says Mishna, “Recent studies have shown record levels of anti-Semitism across Canada this past year, with the Jewish community being the most targeted religious minority. It is vital that the University of Toronto ensure it is an inclusive, equitable and safe place for Jewish students, faculty and staff.”

FIFSW will be sharing more to mark Jewish Heritage Month in the coming weeks. Watch for additional content on our website and social media throughout the month of May.

Related:

• U of T marks entrustment of Anti-Semitism Working Group Report
• Social distancing as social workers: As informal online communication evolves, so too must guidelines that address its use
• Sexting is not necessarily the problem, sharing the sext is: U of T expert