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Anti-Israel Protests in Canada
A file shows demonstrators during an anti-Israel protest in Toronto, August 2024. (Video: Reuters via Anadolu Agency.)
In the wake of the tragic events on October 7, 2023, when Hamas executed a deadly attack, antisemitism in Canada has surged alarmingly, marking one of the most significant rises in hostility towards Jews in the nation’s history. This surge has become particularly pertinent as the Jewish community in Canada heads into the April 28 federal elections.
Recently, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who is the primary opponent of Prime Minister Mark Carney, accused pro-Hamas demonstrators of conducting “hate marches,” emphasizing the need to deport foreigners in Canada who perpetuate antisemitic sentiments.
“The disorder we witness in our streets, alongside the attacks on synagogues and Jewish educational institutions, has become a stark reality that was unimaginable a decade ago,” Poilievre remarked.
He issued a crucial warning directed at foreign agitators: “Any visitor to Canada who engages in illegal activities will be subject to deportation,” Poilievre affirmed.
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As authorities look into an alleged arson incident at Congregation Beth Tikvah in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Montreal, a man secures the synagogue’s doors on December 18, 2024. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)
“To our Jewish community, you are not isolated; you have allies in Canada. You possess the right to wear your Star of David, your kippah, and to display your mezuzah openly. Take pride in your Jewish identity; it should never necessitate concealment for safety,” Poilievre asserted.
On social media, Poilievre shared a video featuring the Montreal Jewish Community Council urging Jewish voters to support him. In the clip, Rabbi Saul Emanuel, the executive director of the council, highlighted Poilievre’s unwavering support for the community, stating, “We remember who stood by us in our times of need; now we can collectively make an impact.”
Emanuel pointed out that Jewish voters possess the potential to sway outcomes in around 14 electoral districts across Canada, reinforcing the message that “Our vote matters, our voice is significant. Hence, I am honored to support Pierre Poilievre and strongly encourage you to follow suit,” he expressed.
On the other side, Carney, using social media platforms, condemned the rise in antisemitic incidents, especially during a message wishing Jewish Canadians a joyful Passover, where he asserted the necessity to confront and denounce the escalating antisemitism threatening Jewish communities in Canada.
However, Carney has faced backlash following a campaign rally in Calgary, during which a spectator proclaimed, “There’s a genocide happening in Palestine,” to which Carney responded, “I’m aware. That’s why we maintain an arms embargo [against Israel].”
Subsequently, Carney attempted to clarify his remarks, stating he misheard the demonstrator. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly responded, asserting that “Canada has traditionally supported civilization. Mr. Carney should continue this trend.”
“Rather than defending Israel, a democracy engaged in a justified conflict against Hamas, he assaults the sole Jewish state,” Netanyahu commented on social media.
According to a recent report by B’nai Brith Canada, the number of recorded antisemitic incidents soared to 6,219 in 2024, marking a 7.4% increase compared to 2023. This statistic represents the highest rate observed since the organization began tracking these incidents in 1982.
Alarmingly, antisemitic incidents in Canada have risen by over 124% since 2022.
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Mark Carney has faced criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his statements made at a recent campaign rally. (Andrej Ivanov/Getty Images)
“In the past year and a half, we have established a serious situation concerning antisemitism in Canada, greatly affecting the Jewish population,” Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s director of research and advocacy, stated. “We are observing a notable rise in various forms of antisemitism, particularly anti-Zionism.”
Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian justice minister and attorney general, emphasized the normalization of antisemitism in various cultural domains, including political, media, and entertainment sectors. He expressed concern about the lack of outrage against this issue.
“I remain hopeful that whichever party assumes power will prioritize actionable strategies against hate crimes, harassment, vandalism, and other pressing issues reflected in [B’nai Brith] reports. Based on my experience, the true extent of these incidents might be even greater as underreporting is prevalent,” he remarked.
Canada’s Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre condemned incidents of antisemitic violence and vowed to take concrete action if he becomes prime minister. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)
“Democratic nations need to unify their efforts, as the safety of our collective freedom is on the line,” Cotler cautioned.
Israeli Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, expressed concerns that many locals in the Jewish community feel vulnerable and inadequately protected by law enforcement and governmental structures amidst soaring levels of antisemitism.
Moed added that Israel, as the homeland of the Jewish people, holds a responsibility to take action when Jewish communities abroad are in distress.
“It is critical to provide educators with the necessary resources to teach about antisemitism and the Holocaust, ensuring the next generation understands the perils of hatred and fosters values of peace, tolerance, and equality,” he emphasized.
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A surveillance sign monitored outside the Montreal Torah Center in Hampstead, Quebec, in November 2023. (Alexis Aubin/AFP via Getty Images)
The antisemitism audit revealed a multitude of distressing incidents, such as Quebec’s La Presse publishing a cartoon depicting Netanyahu resembling Nosferatu, a character historically linked to sinister stereotypes about Jews, and pro-Hamas supporters confronting a Jewish student at the University of Toronto with threats reminiscent of Nazi-era rhetoric.
In May, an arsonist set fire to the Schara Tzedeck Synagogue entrance in Vancouver post-prayers. That same month, the Bais Chaya Mushka girls’ school in Toronto became a target of gunfire; this incident was not isolated, as it faced additional gunfire in subsequent months. Furthermore, in August, a bomb threat impacted Jewish institutions nationwide, and in December, Congregation Beth Tikvah in Montreal was the victim of a firebomb attack, marking the second such incident since October 7, 2023.
In response, Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged the Canadian government to implement stringent actions to eradicate antisemitism.
“It is time for the world to recognize this issue. Mere words will not suffice. We witness synagogues burned and Jews attacked. The commitment to ‘Never Again’ must be taken seriously now,” Herzog stated, invoking the pledge against another Holocaust.
Anthony Housefather, the MP for the Mount Royal district, which houses a significant Jewish population and has been a Liberal stronghold since 1940, is closely monitored as a barometer of the community’s sentiments.
Demonstrators protesting against Israel with antisemitic signage in Alberta, Canada, April 13, 2025. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via AP)
“The disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents underscores the urgent need for all levels of government to collaborate and execute the recommendations established by the justice committee last December and the promises made at the national summit on antisemitism this March,” Housefather stated.
Former Prime Minister Trudeau received substantial criticism for not adequately addressing rising antisemitism. His announcement of the summit came swiftly after Herzog’s admonition.
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Neil Oberman, the Conservative candidate challenging Housefather, remarked that personal security has emerged as a serious concern in Mount Royal.
“This situation underscores the critical need for a federal government that prioritizes practical actions rather than merely organizing summits and drafting position papers while shifting blame to combat hate and safeguard vulnerable populations,” Oberman concluded.
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