The escalating surge in antisemitism within Canada has become a defining concern leading up to the April 28th federal election, fueled significantly by events following Hamas’s October 7th attacks. A notable increase in reported incidents – reaching 6,219 cases in 2024, representing a 7.4% rise over 2023 and the highest since 1982 – has prompted urgent responses from political leaders.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has been particularly vocal, framing the situation as “hate marches” instigated by pro-Hamas demonstrators. He issued a strong condemnation of the targeting of synagogues and Jewish schools with acts of vandalism, violence, and firebombing, describing these actions as unprecedented within the last decade. Poilievre further announced a firm stance on immigration, stating that foreign nationals engaging in unlawful behavior would be deported.
“You are not alone, you have friends. Canadians stand with you,” Poilievre declared directly to Canada’s Jewish community, emphasizing their right to practice their faith – symbolized by the Star of David, kippah and mezuzah – without fear. This message was amplified through a video endorsement from the Montreal Jewish Community Council, led by Rabbi Saul Emanuel, who urged Jewish voters to consider Poilievre’s support as a key factor in his candidacy. Emanuel noted that these voters could potentially influence up to 14 districts across the country, stating, “Our vote matters, our voice matters.”
Conversely, Prime Minister Mark Carney has also addressed the issue, utilizing social media to express solidarity and condemn antisemitism alongside his wishes for a happy Passover. He acknowledged the rising tide of hate and its potential threat to Jewish life and safety. However, Carney’s responses have been met with criticism following an incident at a Calgary campaign rally where someone voiced support for a genocide in Palestine, leading to a subsequent backtracking statement claiming he hadn’t heard the demonstrator accurately.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has entered the discourse, asserting that Canada “has always sided with civilization” and that Carney should similarly support Israel’s fight against Hamas. He criticized Carney’s actions as undermining Israel’s struggle in its “just war.”
The severity of the situation is underscored by numerous documented incidents: a Quebec newspaper published a cartoon depicting Netanyahu as Nosferatu; pro-Hamas protestors engaged in aggressive verbal attacks on Jewish students at universities; arsonists set fire to the Schara Tzedeck Synagogue, and gunfire was directed at the Bais Chaya Mushka girls’ school. Bomb threats targeted multiple Jewish institutions, and another firebombing occurred at Congregation Beth Tikvah in Montreal. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has issued a direct appeal to the Canadian government to actively combat antisemitism, emphasizing that words alone are insufficient given the tangible attacks.
Experts have highlighted the establishment of a new baseline for antisemitism within Canada – one demonstrably detrimental to Jewish citizens’ well-being. Richard Robertson, Director of Research and Advocacy at B’nai Brith Canada, noted an increase in specific types of antisemitism, including anti-Zionism. Irwin Cotler, former Justice Minister, expressed deep concern over the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric across various sectors, stating that “outrage has been absent.” Cotler stressed that reported statistics likely underrepresent the true extent of the problem.
“The security of our collective freedom is at stake,” warned Cotler. Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed emphasized the vulnerability felt by Canadian Jews and called for equipping teachers with resources to educate future generations about the dangers of hatred, highlighting the need for proactive measures.
Anthony Housefather, a Conservative MP representing Mount Royal – a traditionally Liberal-held area with a significant Jewish population – advocated for collaborative action across all levels of government, referencing recommendations from a justice committee report and commitments made at an antisemitism summit. Neil Oberman, challenging Housefather in Mount Royal, emphasized the urgency of protecting community safety and demanded concrete actions beyond summits and position papers.
