Antisemitism Surges in Canada, Stirring Fears and Political Action Ahead of Election

Antisemitism has hit record highs in Canada, with incidents skyrocketing since the Hamas attacks of October 2023 and becoming a central concern for the Jewish community as the country approaches its federal election on April 28.

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre recently called out what he described as "hate marches" by pro-Hamas protesters and made a pointed promise to deport foreigners involved in antisemitic activities. "The rampaging chaos that we see in our streets, the targeting of synagogues and Jewish schools with hate, vandalism, violence, fire bombings ... these things were unheard of 10 years ago," Poilievre said, warning that anyone breaking the law while on a visitor visa would be sent packing.

Addressing the Jewish community, Poilievre added, "You are not alone, you have friends. Canadians stand with you. You have the right to wear your Star of David, your kippah, and have your mezuzah on your door. You should feel proud to be Jewish and should never have to hide your Jewishness in order to stay safe."

Backing up his support, Poilievre shared a video endorsement from the Montreal Jewish Community Council, with Rabbi Saul Emanuel urging Jewish voters to rally behind him, pointing out that Jewish votes could be decisive in up to 14 electoral districts.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has also spoken out against antisemitism, using social media to call for unity and denounce rising hatred. However, Carney faced his own controversy at a campaign rally when he responded to a heckler’s comment about a "genocide in Palestine" by referencing Canada’s arms embargo on Israel. He later claimed he hadn’t heard the protestor correctly, but by then, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already accused him online of failing to stand with Israel, stirring up the international element of this domestic debate.

Statistics from B’nai Brith Canada paint a sobering picture: 6,219 antisemitic incidents reported in 2024—a 7.4% increase over the previous year and the highest since records began in 1982. Since 2022, reported incidents have more than doubled, up a staggering 124.6%.

Richard Robertson of B’nai Brith Canada noted that the past 18 months have set a "new baseline" for antisemitism, with anti-Zionism in particular on the rise. Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said antisemitism has become "mainstream, normalized and legitimized" across Canadian society, and that many incidents likely go unreported.

Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed echoed concerns for the safety of Jews in Canada, emphasizing the need for better law enforcement and educational measures to combat hatred. The call for action was also sounded by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who urged Canada to "stamp out" antisemitism, warning, "Never again is now."

Recent incidents have included firebombings of synagogues, gunfire at Jewish schools, bomb threats, and even media depictions drawing on antisemitic tropes. Political leaders like MP Anthony Housefather and Conservative challenger Neil Oberman both stressed the urgent need for coordinated government action beyond just words and summits.

With the election looming, the issue of antisemitism is not only a moral and social crisis but a hot-button political topic—with both major parties scrambling to convince Jewish Canadians that they can turn the tide on hate. If only campaign promises could be as effective as a good security system.