Vote Lotan Wider for Trustee

Vote Online - October 9-18, 2026 | In-Person - October 26, 2026

Thornhill has long been a source of pride for our community — a place where we felt safe and accepted, and where our youth felt welcome.

That is now being undermined.

Across the YRDSB, we have seen far too many instances where students and teachers have faced harassment, bullying, and threats of violence. Schools should be places where every student feels safe and supported, and where learning comes first.

As a proud Canadian, I believe our schools are meant to be centres for learning, where every student, regardless of background, feels safe and is prepared for the next stage of their lives.

That is why I am running to be your voice at the YRDSB as Trustee for Vaughan Wards 4 and 5.

As your Trustee, I will:

Implement Back to Basics Curriculum
Get Politics Out of Classrooms
Build New Secondary School
Enforce Cell Phone Ban & Students' Safety

It's time to put students first.

Spread the word,

Lotan Wider

Pledge Support

Endorsed By

“Our classrooms should be focused on one thing: students. That means empowering parents, keeping divisive politics out of the classroom, and getting back to the basics of education. That's why I'm proud to endorse Lotan Wider for YRDSB Trustee in Vaughan's Wards 4 and 5. Lotan will take real action to combat rising Antisemitism in our schools, direct more resources where they belong, in classrooms and always put students at the centre of every decision. I'm proud to support Lotan.”

—Melissa Lantsman, Member of Parliament for Thornhill and Canada’s Deputy Leader of the Opposition

“I am proud to support Lotan Wider for election as Trustee. I first met Lotan in his work with the Education Ministry, and what was clear from the start was his work ethic and commitment to principles. As the elected Student Trustee for the York Region DSB, I know Lotan is the best choice to further student success across our Board. I know Lotan will always put student success first.”

—Hayden Lai, YRDSB Student Trustee 2024-2026

“Nothing inspires me more than seeing a new generation of political leaders step forward to address the complex challenges facing our education system. I can think of no one better qualified than Lotan Wider to serve as Trustee for Wards 4 and 5 in the City of Vaughan. Lotan combines strong political experience with a genuine commitment to solving problems. He is also uniquely able to connect the school board, parents, teachers, and, most importantly, our children. Lotan has my full support.”

—Jordan Kalpin - Chairman - The Preserve Thornhill Woods Ratepayers Association

“Lotan has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to our community through his active involvement in numerous local events and volunteer initiatives, where he has worked closely with residents and families. He genuinely cares about neighbours, families, and the well-being of children and youth, and is committed to supporting a positive and inclusive environment for students. He brings a thoughtful and balanced perspective, and I’m very pleased to support his candidacy for YRDSB Trustee.”

—Andrew Zhang, Executive Director of the Upper Thornhill Estates & Area Community Association

“Lotan is a thoughtful and emerging young leader who has shown confidence, initiative, and responsibility through his involvement in youth leadership and community programs, including Tzofim. He understands the importance of building strong, connected communities where young people can thrive. His experience working with youth and families gives him valuable insight into the needs of students and school communities. He leads with integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility to the broader community. I’m very pleased to support his candidacy for YRDSB Trustee.”

—Dalete Karst-Yaacov, Chapter Lead - Shevet Hermon

“Lotan Wider is deeply committed to the community and brings passion, professionalism, and genuine care to the people he serves. I’m confident he will be a strong voice and advocate on the YRDSB school board.”

—Avi Grinberg, Executive Director of Shomrim Toronto

“Representation matters. Having strong Jewish voices willing to step forward, lead, and represent our community with pride, intelligence, and integrity is more important today than ever. Proud to support Lotan Wider.”

—Asaf Halperin, Entrepreneur, Financial & Estate Planning Expert, and Community Builder

“As a Jewish community leader dedicated to uniting Canadian students of all backgrounds against hatred, I am proud to endorse Lotan Wider as a champion of our shared values and ethics. Lotan is a leader committed to coexistence, respectful dialogue, and tolerance in York Region—principles that are foundational to this country. I wholeheartedly support his mission and wish him every success in building a York Region and a Canada that we can all be proud of”

—Daniel Koren, Jewish Community Leader

“As President and Founder of SSI, I am proud to endorse Lotan Wider for YRDSB Trustee for Vaughan Wards 4 and 5. Lotan is a principled and dedicated leader who understands the importance of strong education, student advocacy, and inclusive communities. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and supporting students and families makes him the right choice to represent Vaughan at the school board level.”

—Ilan Sinelnikov, President and Founder of SSI

Lotan's Record

Leadership

Lotan brings rich political experience in both the legislative and executive branches of government.

At YRDSB, Lotan will act to steer the board back to what its focus outght to be - learning.

Advocacy

Unfortunately, many campuses and schools have tolerated the intimidation of Jewish and other minority students on a daily basis.

Along with SSI, AVI and CJPAC, Lotan has leveraged partnerships to advocate for students who no longer feel safe on campus.

Community

As a Junior Director at Shevet Hermon (Israeli Scouts), Lotan led a delegation of high-school students to Queen's Park.

Youth are the future, and ought to be represented at all levels of government.

Fighting For Accountability

When the President-elect of York University's student union appeared to show her support for Hamas and antisemitism, Lotan acted.

According to the National Post, Lotan filed a complaint citing a shocking amount of evidence that landed a widespread condemnation and disciplinary measures by York University.

There is absolutely no place for hate in our educational institutions.

Lotan will work with administrators to ensure Vaughan's elementary and secondary schools remain centres for learning, not political indoctrination.