January 20th has always been a special day for me. It marks the inauguration of American presidents and their State of the Union addresses. It also happens to be my birthday. This year, the convergence of political renewal and personal celebration feels more poignant. The transformative changes anticipated in 2025 feel like a gift — a glimmer of hope in a world fraught with challenges.
Looking ahead to this birthday, I hold onto the hope that, by Jan. 20, all (not only 33) Israeli hostages will be reunited with their families, celebrating their birthdays with their families in freedom. This deal with the devil is painful as we long for their return and a world where terrorists like Hamas no longer murder innocent people and hold others captive with impunity.
A world where nations that sponsor terror, like Iran, are held accountable or transformed — liberating their citizens and neutralizing threats to global peace. Imagine a future where freedom flourishes, untainted by extremist ideologies. That would be a true cause for celebration. Just a month ago, groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir openly operated in Canada; now, they are running back to their caves.
Closer to home, a shift in Canada’s political landscape is a glimmer of hope. Canadians, regardless of political affiliation, are waking up to the consequences of unchecked ideologies which have left our country without a moral compass. Concepts like wokism and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), while perhaps initially well-meaning, have evolved into dogmatic frameworks that undermine critical thinking, stifle open discourse, and polarize society.
For years, many ignored the rising tide of antisemitism and the chilling calls for genocide against Jews that echoed through our streets after October 7. Today, more people recognize that these threats are not isolated — they undermine the very fabric of our collective society. Jewish students will once again walk proudly on campuses, free from discrimination for advocating freedom and democracy.
If Canadians are truly beginning to understand the necessity of preserving democracy, values, and national integrity against extremist threats, that, for me, is the ultimate gift. It’s a beacon of resilience, a reassurance that we are not powerless in the face of the venomous forces seeking to divide us.
Looking ahead to this birthday, I hold onto the hope that, by the time this piece is read, all Israeli hostages will be reunited with their families, sharing Shabbat dinners in peace. I pray for an end to this devastating war and a shift in the hearts and minds of Israel’s neighbours.
Perhaps the Lebanese, under new leadership, alongside Syrians and Palestinians, will realize that hatred and terrorism yield only destruction. Groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and their Iranian sponsors may celebrate death and chaos as victories, but I believe the silent majority will ultimately win the peace. My hope is that in 2025, the world collectively says, “Enough. No more war. No more violence.”
Imagine a year where the Abraham Accords — a declaration calling for the recognition of the “importance of maintaining and strengthening peace in the Middle East and around the world based on mutual understanding and coexistence, as well as respect for human dignity and freedom, including religious freedom” are not only renewed but expanded. Picture Saudi Arabia and Israel joining hands as regional superpowers, setting an example of cooperation and coexistence that ripples across the Middle East. I truly believe this is possible in 2025. Such a development would not only reshape geopolitics, but also inspire global optimism and unity.
The past decade has been marked by polarization, extremism, and the erosion of civility. The scars of these tumultuous times are evident in the divisions within our communities and on the global stage. Yet, the shifts we are witnessing in leadership and public sentiment provide hope.
These changes may not entirely eradicate antisemitism or hate, but they can significantly diminish their prevalence. With new governments fostering less toxicity and more constructive dialogue, we may finally reduce the vitriol that has plagued our societies. That would be the greatest gift of all.
Beyond politics, I find hope in the power of individual acts of courage and kindness. Around the world, ordinary people are standing against hate, championing unity and compassion. Though often overshadowed by negativity, these acts are the foundation of lasting change. They remind us that each of us plays a vital role in building a better future.
On this birthday, my wish is simple: a better world — a world infused with kindness, compassion, and a shared commitment to peace. As we stand on the cusp of a potentially transformative year, I feel cautiously optimistic. The intersection of global and local change, coupled with the hope for renewed harmony, makes this January 20th especially significant. Here’s to a brighter future — for all of us.
National Post