Antisemitism Surges in Canada, Prompting Calls for Action

Antisemitism in Canada experienced a significant surge following the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. This rise culminated in a record number of hate crimes targeting Jewish people last year.

The increase in antisemitic incidents prompted Deborah Lyons, the country's special envoy on preserving Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism, to resign earlier this month. She cited exhaustion from the constant struggle. Lyons expressed that the role was emotionally and physically taxing, and she personally faced hateful words and actions.

Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian Justice Minister and Lyons's predecessor, noted that the increase in antisemitism has been met with silence, denial, acquiescence, support, and justification, rather than widespread condemnation. He emphasized the need for the government to take decisive action.

While Jews constitute a small percentage of Canada's population, antisemitism motivated a substantial portion of reported hate crimes in 2024. A significant number of religiously motivated hate crimes targeted the Jewish community.

Richard Robertson, director of research and advocacy at B'nai Brith Canada, highlighted a substantial increase in antisemitism during Lyons's tenure. He stated that the situation has become increasingly difficult for the community, and that more action is needed to address the issue.

Both Cotler and Robertson acknowledged Lyons's accomplishments, including the publication of a handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, which is now used internationally. Lyons also played a key role in the international coalition of special envoys for combating antisemitism and built a strong foundation for the Office of the Special Envoy. She also helped organize a national forum on combating antisemitism.

Robertson emphasized the need for a coordinated, government-wide approach to address the issue.

Noah Shack, CEO of the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), noted that when public institutions have directly confronted antisemitic actions, they have been successful in stopping them. He stressed the importance of government, law enforcement, and society working together to combat hate.

Shack outlined three urgent actions Canada can take. These include establishing safety zones around Jewish community gathering places, increasing support for Jewish community security programs, and addressing the growing issue of radicalization. He also cautioned against separating anti-Zionism from antisemitism and emphasized that Jewish people deserve to be treated with the same respect and rights as any other citizen.