Antisemitism in Canada has seen a significant increase following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The country recorded a staggering 920 hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals in 2024, representing 68.5% of all religiously motivated hate crimes, despite Jews comprising less than one percent of Canada’s population. This alarming trend led Deborah Lyons, Canada’s special envoy dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism, to resign earlier this month, highlighting the emotional and physical toll that her role took on her. Lyons expressed her frustration at the slow response to the escalating issue, stating that it was challenging to get people to speak out against the hate she witnessed firsthand. Her resignation underscores the struggles faced by those in power to combat growing antisemitism effectively.
Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian Justice Minister and Lyons’s predecessor, criticized the government’s response, noting that the surge in Jew-hatred has largely been met with silence or inadequate measures. He emphasized that mere symbolic gestures are insufficient and called for decisive political action to counteract the spread of antisemitism. Cotler’s remarks reflect a broader concern that governmental responses have not matched the urgency of the situation, leaving dedicated public servants like Lyons feeling disheartened and fatigued by the persistent hate directed against the Jewish community.
Despite the grim statistics and prevailing challenges, it is important to acknowledge some successful initiatives during Lyons’s tenure. She contributed significantly to the publication of a handbook on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, now utilized globally for training law enforcement and government officials. Additionally, Lyons played a pivotal role in international coalitions, helping to raise awareness and build a robust institutional framework around the office of the Special Envoy, which is essential for continuous and effective advocacy against antisemitism in Canada.
The severity of the antisemitism crisis demands urgent action, as emphasized by Richard Robertson, director of research and advocacy at B’nai Brith Canada. He noted that while some progress has been made by the federal government, it still falls short of what is necessary to curb the rising tide of hate. His sentiments highlight the necessity for a coordinated, comprehensive government approach to combat antisemitism in a meaningful manner. Without such integral steps, the existing support systems remain insufficient, leaving advocates like Lyons in daunting positions with limited efficacy.
Noah Shack, CEO of the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), articulated three critical strategies Canada could adopt to address antisemitism. First, he stressed the need for safety zones around places of worship and community centers, to protect Jewish congregations from threats of violence. Second, strengthening security programs for Jewish institutions is vital, especially considering the alarming instances of attacks in recent years. Lastly, Shack called for reforms to anti-terrorism laws to include the criminalization of glorifying terrorism and membership in terrorist organizations, aligning with practices in other countries like the UK.
Furthermore, Shack rejected the notion of separating anti-Zionism from antisemitism, asserting that both ideologies are interconnected and harmful. He emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of Jewish individuals in Canada and criticized the societal tendency to blame Jews for disagreements with Israeli policies. Shack’s message serves as a clarion call for unity against antisemitism, urging all Canadians to recognize their collective responsibility in combating hate and defending the values that define Canadian society. Without a concerted effort to foster respect and understanding, there is a risk that the growing tide of antisemitism will engulf not only the Jewish community but the broader Canadian populace as well.
