Antisemitism in Canada has been on the rise, with significant incidents of Jew-hatred being reported in various cities, including Toronto and Montreal. The statistics show a concerning increase in hate crimes against the Jewish community, with a significant percentage of registered hate crimes being animated by antisemitism. Acts of violence, such as firebombings, shootings, and assaults targeting Jews, have been reported across the country. Members of the Jewish community in Canada have expressed grave concerns about the levels of antisemitism, which they say have not been seen since the Holocaust.
Richard Marceau, Vice President of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Canada, highlighted the various hateful acts that have been directed towards the Jewish community in Canada, including firebombings of synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses, shootings at Jewish schools, and harassment of community members. He emphasized the need for everyone to stand against antisemitism and for governments, law enforcement, schools, and businesses to take action to combat this toxic hate. The Canadian government has taken some steps to address antisemitism, such as holding a national summit on antisemitism and making investments in combating racism and hate.
Despite efforts by the Canadian government to combat antisemitism, there are criticisms that Canada has failed to address the issue adequately. The decision to halt arms sales to Israel during its conflict with Hamas has drawn criticism, with some viewing this as contributing to the rise in antisemitism. Anti-Zionism, the view that Israel should be abolished, has been identified as a driving force behind the waves of antisemitism in Canada. Pro-Palestinian groups and individuals have been accused of promoting the erasure of Jews from Israel, contributing to the antisemitic sentiment in the country.
Casey Babb, a terrorism and international security expert, pointed out that antisemitism in Canada is as bad as it has been in decades and is fueled by anti-Zionism. He highlighted the failure of decision-makers in Canada to address antisemitism, particularly within the country’s Arab population and the far-left. Babb criticized the government for failing to take action against groups like Samidoun, which has links to a listed terrorist entity. The elite in Canada have been accused of taking actions that signal support for Hamas and terrorist organizers, sending the message that terrorism works and that Israel is not allowed to win a war forced upon them.
The decision to pull arms sales to Israel during its conflict with Hamas has been viewed as a troubling move that emboldens supporters of terrorist organizations and contributes to the rise in antisemitism in Canada. Critics argue that weak government policies and support for groups associated with terrorist activities undermine the values of liberal democracy and allow for the unchecked spread of extremist ideologies. The refusal to take a strong stance against extremism and terrorism has been seen as rewarding thuggish bullying tactics and allowing antisemitism to flourish in the country.
Overall, there is growing concern about the sharp rise in blatant antisemitism in Canada and the government’s response to the issue. The failure to adequately address antisemitism, coupled with actions that are perceived as supporting terrorist organizations, has raised alarms among activists and experts. The need for a concerted effort to combat antisemitism, protect Jewish communities, and uphold the values of liberal democracy has been emphasized as essential in addressing the growing threat of hate and discrimination in Canada.
