1. How do I know that my membership information is secure?

The security of our members' information is a top priority. We follow best practices in data security and robust measures in place to ensure that all our member information is secure and confidential. On top of our many levels of security infrastructure, we use SSL encryption for our website, form submissions and all information (member and communication) is securely stored using Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in secured environments in world-class data centers that are SOC-2 compliant.

 

2. Will JMAO share the identity of the people who join?

 

The security of our members' information is a top priority. We will not publish our membership list nor share it with any third parties.

 

3. Who is behind JMAO?

 

JMAO was created by a group of Ontario Jewish healthcare workers. All of our founding Board members, most of whom are physicians, were selected because they bring important skills to our team. Our Board members live in different cities across the province and between us we are affiliated with several Ontario faculties of medicine; we work in a variety of academic and community settings and include physicians from a wide range of RCPSC and CFPC specialties. We span the Canadian and Israeli political spectrums, and we range in our religious affiliation from Orthodox to atheist. What unites us is our commitment to standing up for Jewish physicians, Jewish healthcare workers, Jewish health learners, and Jewish patients and their families across Ontario who are facing antisemitism. Our mandate is to continue to provide exceptional medical care for all Ontario patients while strengthening the Jewish medical community and providing educational and networking opportunities for Jews in healthcare.

Through our work with JMAO and our own personal experiences, we have a deep understanding of the level of harassment currently facing Jewish physicians and others who stand up against antisemitism. We are therefore not posting our names publicly at this time. If you have specific concerns or questions, please contact us at info@jmao.ca and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

4. Who should join JMAO?

 

JMAO welcomes Zionist Jewish physicians, healthcare professionals, medical and healthcare learners, as well as healthcare administrators and leaders who are interested in advocacy, personal growth, education, addressing antisemitism, and building solidarity with the people of Israel.

5. What do you mean when you say “support” or “stand with” Israel in the Mission/Vision/Values statement?

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This means that JMAO supports the right of Jews to self-determination, considers Israel to be the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people, believes in the right of Jews to act as a people, and supports the right of the State of Israel to exist. This is what we mean by “Zionism” — a term we use with purpose and pride. JMAO opposes any effort to dismantle or eliminate the State of Israel.

It does NOT mean that we support any particular government or politician in the State of Israel, nor any specific political or military policy of the State of Israel. However, criticism of Israel that rises to the level of antisemitism as determined by the IHRA Working Definition will not be tolerated.
 

6. Why should I pay dues to join JMAO?

 

Your paid membership strengthens our community and enables us to offer more programs, outreach, and support. It amplifies our collective voice and impact, including in our advocacy efforts on behalf of Ontario Jewish physicians and other Ontario Jewish healthcare workers and learners; this includes combatting antisemitism in healthcare spaces as defined by the IHRA Working Definition of antisemitism.

 

7. Is it expensive to join JMAO?

 

Our mandatory dues range from $18 for students to $180 for physicians. We also encourage voluntary dues for those who can contribute more, which go to helping JMAO support as many members as possible. If you find the mandatory dues to be out of reach, please email us confidentially at info@jmao.ca.

 

8. Why are mandatory dues auto-renewed? Can I opt out?

 

Auto-renewal simplifies administrative processes. Members are notified in advance of renewal. If you prefer not to auto-renew, you can simply log in to your JMAO site account and go you to your Wallet and remove your payment information. If you are experiencing issues, please email info@jmao.ca, and we can manually delete any securely stored payment information and remove the recurring payment.

 

9. When will I receive a receipt for my membership dues?

 

All members who complete their dues payments will receive a receipt before February. 

 

10. Can I suggest topics or speakers for JMAO events?

 

Absolutely! We welcome your input and suggestions for events, speakers, and topics. Feel free to reach out with your ideas to info@jmao.ca. 

 

11. How can I get involved in JMAO?

We welcome all the help we can get! Feel free to reach out to info@jmao.ca to discuss opportunities.