The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Concerned for the Elimination of Non-Christian Prison Chaplains

TORONTO, Oct. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - In response to reports that the federal government is ending contracts for non-Christian prison chaplains, previously maintained on a part-time basis, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

"We are concerned by reports that non-Christian chaplains will no longer be deployed in Canada's prisons, and have written to the Minister of Public Safety to urge the government to find a solution that will maintain this essential service.

"While this is a matter of protecting freedom of religion, there is also an important aspect of public safety at stake in this decision. It is no stretch to say that chaplains are at the forefront of the rehabilitation process, and work every day to ensure that inmates awaiting release have the tools they need to avoid re-offending. That Jews and other non-Christians are a minority of inmates in no way diminishes the critical importance of their access to chaplains of their own faith - who provide a moral compass to help inmates navigate their way to a productive life following incarceration."

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.

SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
416-953-4417
[email protected]