Caring, honest, passionate, interested, committed, innovative, capable, tough but always fair.
B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn was all of that and so much more.
It’s never easy when a community loses a giant in the fight for human rights and safety for all. Especially when that giant leaves us at just 50 years old and in the middle of his contribution and greatness. That type of hero is difficult to replace and everybody who understands the battle against antisemitism understands it will be a bigger challenge without Mostyn leading the charge.
The Jewish community is in full missing-man formation this week with the death of iconic Mostyn after a year-long battle with brain cancer. It’s a big loss.
“As the CEO of B’nai Brith Canada since 2014, Michael’s vision and leadership revitalized the organization, transforming it into a formidable voice in combating antisemitism and defending the rights of the Jewish community across Canada,” his organization said in a statement Tuesday. “His passion for justice was deeply rooted in Torah values, and whatever he did in life, was undertaken with tremendous respect and unwavering integrity.”
Integrity is the key word. Mostyn was epitome of it.
He was afraid of no one and confronted each challenge or threat with a calm, wise and organized response. No antisemite would ever see him sweat because he and his team did their research, understood the laws and always took the high road.
A good example of that was in his final X-post before going on leave early in 2024 to take on his cancer challenge. It was Jan. 7 and it had just come to light that there were photographs of the Toronto Police delivering coffee from one group of pro-Hamas supporters to another group who had taken over the Avenue Road bridge and had interrupted and intimidated many Jewish residents in the area.
“Welcome to 2024, where the City of Toronto’s latest political strategy appears to be the encouragement of further lawlessness, escalation and antisemitism, all with a friendly face,” was the quote Mostyn posted to X.
He didn’t kick, scream or insult anybody about it. He didn’t insult the involved Toronto cops, who he always appreciated and respected and who he knew he needed to keep Jewish people safe. What he did instead was shine the light on the powers that be who oversee the city that any edict that anti-Jewish protesters are to be treated with kid gloves and above the rules will be highlighted for all to see.
Mostyn was right in his concern of what such appeasement would bring since, for the next year ahead, all Toronto saw was chanting “from the river to the sea” along with vandalism and the shooting up of Jewish schools. While it mortified him, he predicted it would happen since he understood that weakness at the top would allow for the bigoted at street level to flourish.
His approach was to combat hate with intelligence, class and resilience. He wanted to make things better for them and for everybody.
“Michael is survived by his loving family, Ella, Benjy and Bella, who were his greatest source of pride and joy. He was a beloved and adored son and brother to Sheila and Alan and to Matthew and Sari. To them and their families, he was their giant pillar of strength, courage and love,” said B’nai Brith.
“To his friends and colleagues, he was an infinite source of inspiration. And to the Jewish community, he was a protector, a defender and a beacon of light.”
It’s so true.
He did it with such grace and intelligence. The people who will move forward with his mission all share the same qualities he instilled. This offered some comfort to him when he took ill and had to take a step back. He knew his mission would be completed.
“B’nai Brith is truly an inspiring institution and I have full confidence in the team’s ability to continue making a positive impact for everyone in our community in my absence,” Mostyn said as he embarked upon his treatment, which did have some success and saw him return to work for a short time.
But cancer is a fierce opponent. Turns out it was the only thing that could ever slow Mostyn down. As he took it on with a vengeance, his family was the same pillar of strength for him as he always was for them and the Jewish community.
“Born to a family committed to Jewish tradition and values, Michael was a staunch defender of Am Yisrael and his faith guided him in everything he did,” said B’nai Brith. “His presence was not limited to boardrooms or podiums; he was equally at home at synagogue and public events, sharing a warm smile and a thoughtful word with friends and community members alike.”
They called Mostyn a “dynamic leader and visionary but also a wonderful listener” who had an “ability to hear the concerns and needs of others, combined with his savvy skills as a barrister and public servant, enabled him to effect real change. Whether standing up to hate or standing up for the vulnerable, Michael embodied the Jewish value of pursuing justice — ‘Tzedek, tzedek tirdof.’”
The funeral service for Mostyn occurred Wednesday and was a chance for those he influenced to say goodbye to this very fine Canadian.
But they were also there to say thank you.
RIP Michael Mostyn. Hamakom yenakhem etekhem betokh shaar avelay tziyon viyrushalayim.