Canadian Jewish community stunned by El Al's decision to cease its Toronto route

Yesterday, The CJN confirmed that El Al, Israel's largest airline, will stop servicing Canada directly by the end of October 2022. The company will stop flying out of Toronto after the high holidays following a half-century of operations in the country. Many in the Canadian Jewish community were stunned, shocked and saddened by the abrupt announcement. But one man isn't letting the airline go without a fight: Asaf Halperin, a financial advisor in Toronto who launched a petition to keep El Al in Canada. His petition has racked up more than 2,000 signatures quickly, with many supporters citing security protocols, kosher food options and support for Israel as main reasons for preferring El Al to Air Canada, the only other carrier that flies directly from Toronto to Tel Aviv. Halperin joins to explain why he launched this petition and what the airline means to him personally. Plus, you'll hear from Gal Hana, the the Israeli diplomat in charge of promoting Israeli tourism in Canada, who says even he was surprised by El Al's decision. What we talked about: Sign Halperin's petition, "Keep El Al in Canada" Listen to The CJN Daily episode from June 2021, "El Al is flying to Toronto again, but are Canadians ready to travel?" Credits The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To learn how to support the show by subscribing to this podcast, please watch this video.