Shalom-Salaam Toronto (SST) is a movement created to promote peace and tolerance amongst the Jewish/Israeli and Arab/Palestinian/Muslim groups in Toronto. The aim is to grow this movement through inspiration. We wish for this to be a pillar for peace in the GTA community and beyond.

Through various events and forums, SST will establish itself as an organization dedicated to peace. SST will work towards creating an environment of mutual trust and understanding between Arabs, Muslims, and Jews.

What’s It All About?

To achieve Peace and Justice, We – Canadian Arabs, Jews, Muslims and all others who care about peace in the Middle East – are in a unique position. We are distanced from the conflict and this allows us to at least theoretically be more objective. We need to overcome our tribal mentality and openly acknowledge suffering the other side is experiencing. We must work together to provide incentive to all sides to achieve Justice and Peace.

STEP 1. (SOCIAL) Before Canadian Arabs and Jews can stand as one for Peace and Justice, we need to overcome racism, prejudice, intolerance and animosity which have accumulated in our communities. The first step of our program is to provide an opportunity for Arabs, Jews and Muslims to interact in an atmosphere that promotes learning about each other as human beings rather than as creatures with an exceptionally strong political opinions and inadvertent tendencies to discount suffering of the other side. We recognize that politics divides people and therefore we aim to offer our brothers and sisters an opportunity to interact in an atmosphere filled with fun, laughter and games.

STEP 2. (DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES) Once this atmosphere has been established, the second step of our program is to provide an opportunity for Arabs, Jews and Muslims to come together and discuss solutions for peace in the Middle East. The truth and Reconciliation section of the movement will welcome people who are ready to stand up and acknowledge that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has brought suffering and pain to both Jews and Arabs.

We are Canadians. As Canadians, let us show the world that peace and friendship between Jews, Arabs, and Muslims is not only a theoretical possibility, but a de facto reality. Come and join us. Be a part of this important movement.