After a year-long battle with cancer, B’nai Brith Canada’s CEO, Michael Mostyn, passed away Tuesday.
Mostyn was a vocal advocate for the Jewish community in Canada and was beloved by many as a fighter against antisemitism and a staunch defender of the Jewish state of Israel.
B’nai Brith Canada shared the solemn news on X, remembering Mostyn’s positive impact on Canadian society and his community.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, Michael Mostyn,” the post said. “A dynamic leader, a passionate advocate and above all, a genuine mensch.”
Mostyn was diagnosed with brain cancer in February of last year and stepped away from his leadership duties at B’nai Brith. But he continued to share his advocacy for the Jewish community despite his health battles.
Mostyn became the CEO of B’nai Brith Canada in 2014 and has been featured in many True North articles as a strong advocate against anti-Israel organizations and the rise of antisemitism in Canada.
“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,” B’nai Brith’s obituary for their late leader and friend continued.
“Michael was not only a dynamic leader and visionary but also a wonderful listener. His 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.”
The group highlighted his work in building B’nai Brith’s Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, saying it has become a vital resource for defending Jewish rights in Canada.
Mostyn received several awards throughout his lifetime, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal but his colleagues and those who knew him personally remember him beyond his accolades.
Marty York, the communications director at B’nai Brith Canada, shared his heartfelt condolences for Mostyn on X.
“Michael Mostyn fought anti-Seminism like no other Jewish advocate in Canada,” True North columnist Sue-Ann Levy said. “He knew it was a growing concern 15 years ago, and his insight was unmatched by most other Jewish lobby organizations.”
Levy told True North about times she shared with Mostyn in her work as a journalist and columnist.
“He shared many issues with me while I was at the Toronto Sun and was always in the trenches speaking up and confronting the Jew-haters who organized the annual Al Quds day and who infiltrated the Toronto Pride parade and the TDSB among others,” she said. “I lauded his work in my 2016 book Underdog and am very sad that his life was snatched away from him so early.”
The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center released a statement remembering Mostyn’s “unwavering commitment to justice and human rights” and his “profound impact” on the community.
Mostyn’s work influenced several Canadian politicians as well, and his advocacy reached the highest levels of government.
Ontario independent MPP Goldie Ghamari remembered working with Mostyn to raise awareness of the now-banned Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Canada.
Liberal MPs Marco Mendicino and Anthony Housefather shared their condolences on X and honoured Mostyn’s impact on defending the rights of Jewish Canadians and Canadian values.
Iddo Moed, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, also shared a statement on Mostyn’s passing and celebrated his “unrelenting” fight for the Jewish people in Canada and Israel.
