WARMINGTON: Iconic Jewish rights advocate Michael Mostyn faces health battle
The B’nai Brith Canada CEO has been diagnosed with cancer
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Known for fiercely fighting for Jewish rights, B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn is now facing the biggest fight of his life with a personal health challenge.
After B’nai Brith put out a newsletter about its leader’s health Thursday evening, many prayers are coming in for Mostyn, who has fallen ill and is preparing for treatments to help him fight cancer.
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“Recently, due to not feeling well, Michael went to hospital where they discovered that he had contracted COVID,” the B’nai Brith newsletter states. “As part of the routine tests, further examinations revealed a deeper concern – he has been diagnosed with cancer. He will be on a leave of absence while undergoing chemotherapy and related treatments.”
It’s devastating for the popular community leader and also a blow for B’nai Brith in that Mostyn has been a relentless warrior for Jewish causes for more than a decade – and specifically vital in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023 slaughter of innocent Israelis at the hands of Hamas.
Thursday’s newsletter, however, quoted Michael as saying, “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.”
Sources who have spoken recently with Mostyn say he is in good spirits and fully prepared for the fight. Based on his history, we wouldn’t bet against him.
This is as high quality an individual as they come. It’s not easy to be well-liked by friends and foes alike, but Michael is one of those people.
It is also difficult from a personal point of view since we have worked so closely together for many years.
But he has good doctors and is a fighter. Anyone who has worked with B’nai Brith knows that.
On Jewish and human rights issues, he’s always ready to go to battle for what is right. He has a new battle to face now and we wish him the very best support in doing that.
B’nai Brith will be in good hands with Judy Foldes, who has served as chief operating officer for nearly a decade, doubling as CEO in Mostyn’s absence.
Richard Robertson, who has been working hand in hand with Mostyn on advocacy issues in this past year and is the organization’s director of advocacy and research, will continue to be a strong voice for B’nai Brith Canada while Motsyn recovers.
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Marty York, who has worked closely with Mostyn since the latter became CEO about a decade ago, will continue to serve as B’nai Brith’s communications director.
Michael will continue to advise and support B’nai Brith behind the scenes.
He will be in our thoughts and prayers as he moves forward with his treatment.
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