Bob Rae's Jewish? Since when?

I received the following e-mail this morning:

Hello,

Canadian Jewish Community for Bob Rae would like you to visit the following online campaign, by iPetitions: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/jewishpm

For the first time in our nation's history, a member of the Canadian Jewish community is standing for possible election as Prime Minister. Bob Rae has been a staunch supporter of the state of Israel, has spoken out against intolerance and anti-semitism, and has demonstrated the qualities of leadership that Canada needs to assume its role in defending Israel's interests in the Middle East.

By signing this petition, you are adding your name to the growing chorus of Canadians of all religious communities who believe that it is time to bring our Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Life. Bob Rae's selection as leader of the Liberal Party will be a profound event for the Canadian Jewish community, and all Canadians should support it.

Rae's wife and children are Jewish but he is, in fact, a Christian.

It was in the mid-1960s, just as he was entering university, that Mr. Rae first learned of his Jewish roots: His grandfather William Cohen, the eldest son of Orthodox Jewish refugees from Lithuania, had adopted the surname of his Scottish bride, Nell Rae, not long after they had immigrated to Canada just before the First World War.

As he always does, the young Mr. Rae reacted methodically. He found out as much about Judaism as he could, then decided to let the issue go. He later would marry a Jewish woman, who would raise his three daughters in that faith, but he would retain his Anglicanism all the while.
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I don't know who's responsible for that petition titled, 'Bob Rae for the First Jewish Prime Minister', but it certainly is misleading.

You can let them know the truth by contacting them here: canadianjews4rae@gmail.com

Update: via the November 12 issue of The Star

He's not religious, describing himself as an "eclectic and skeptical person." He was raised Anglican, his wife and children are Jewish and he attends Holy Blossom Temple. His paternal grandfather was Jewish but, after immigrating to Canada from Scotland, changed his name from Goodman Cohen to Rae, taking his wife Nell's surname.

Rae doesn't believe in an afterlife and gags at the notion of reincarnation. "Please, no!''

What he does believe, "is that you live on in the memories of those who come after you. You live on in your reputation and how you live your life ... but (religion) is not a music I can respond to ... I believe in taking time, I believe in reflection. I believe in having a perspective. I believe in a sense of humour, which I think is pretty critical."