Canada’s Jewish community is increasingly concerned about rising antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The issue has become a focal point ahead of the April 28 federal election, with antisemitic incidents reaching record highs last year.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, a leading contender against Prime Minister Mark Carney, recently criticized pro-Hamas demonstrators for organizing “hate marches” and pledged to deport any antisemitic foreign nationals from Canada.

Poilievre stated that the targeting of synagogues and Jewish schools with hate, vandalism, violence, and fire bombings is a recent and alarming development.

He warned that foreign individuals engaging in illegal activities while on visitor visas would be deported.

Poilievre assured the Jewish community of their support, emphasizing their right to openly practice their faith and express their Jewish identity without fear.

Poilievre also acknowledged the Montreal Jewish Community Council’s endorsement, with Rabbi Saul Emanuel highlighting Poilievre’s past support and urging Jewish voters to support him.

Emanuel pointed out the potential influence of Jewish voters in up to 14 Canadian districts, emphasizing the importance of their vote and voice.

Prime Minister Carney has also spoken out against antisemitism, condemning the rise in incidents and emphasizing the need to confront the threat to Jewish life and safety.

However, Carney faced criticism after a campaign rally where he responded to a demonstrator yelling about a “genocide happening in Palestine” by saying, “I’m aware. That’s why we have an arms embargo [on Israel].”

Carney later claimed he misheard the demonstrator.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Carney on X, stating that Canada should support Israel’s fight against Hamas.

B’nai Brith Canada’s annual audit revealed a 7.4% increase in reported antisemitic incidents in 2024, reaching a total of 6,219, the highest since 1982.

Antisemitic incidents in Canada have increased dramatically, surging by 124.6% since 2022.

Richard Robertson of B’nai Brith Canada noted the establishment of a new, higher baseline for antisemitism in Canada, negatively impacting Jewish lives, with a particular increase in anti-Zionism.

Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler stated that antisemitism has become normalized across various sectors of Canadian society, lamenting the lack of widespread outrage.

Cotler expressed hope for government action against hate crimes, speech, harassment, assault, and vandalism, noting that even reported statistics may underestimate the problem.

Cotler emphasized the need for democratic action to protect collective freedom.

Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed stated that many Canadian Jews feel vulnerable and unprotected, citing a lack of support from law enforcement, government, and educational institutions.

He affirmed Israel’s commitment to assisting Jewish communities in distress.

Moed stressed the importance of educating future generations about antisemitism and the Holocaust.

The B’nai Brith Canada survey highlighted incidents such as a controversial cartoon in La Presse and a pro-Hamas protester’s antisemitic remarks at the University of Toronto.

Other incidents included an arson attack at a Vancouver synagogue, shootings at a Toronto girls’ school, a bomb threat targeting Jewish institutions, and a firebombing at a Montreal synagogue.

Thereafter, called on the Canadian government to take action to “stamp out” antisemitism.

He emphasized the urgency of addressing antisemitism, referencing the adage “Never Again.”

Anthony Housefather, the MP for Mount Royal, a district with a significant Jewish population, highlighted the importance of government collaboration to implement recommendations from a justice committee report and commitments made at a national summit on antisemitism.

Neil Oberman, Housefather’s Conservative challenger, stated that personal safety and security have become significant concerns in Mount Royal.

Oberman called for concrete government action to combat hate and protect vulnerable communities.

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