Community Grapples with Response to Rising Antisemitism
A week after a prominent speech addressing a “crisis of antisemitism,” many Jewish Canadians are confronting a stark reality: the acknowledgment of the problem may not translate into the protection they seek, nor fully reflect the country they believe they inhabit. The address, delivered by Mark Carney, aimed to reassure the Jewish community, but reports numerous leaders suggest it fell short of expectations.
While the prime minister acknowledged that “Canada’s civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians,” the proposed solution – another committee and study – has drawn criticism. Some community members feel these initiatives lack individuals with deep expertise on the issue, leaving them feeling as vulnerable as before. This has amplified a growing sense of uncertainty and anger within the community, prompting the question: what comes next?
Concerns Over Government Support and Security
Rabbi Adam Cutler of Toronto’s Adath Israel synagogue expressed a sentiment of disillusionment, stating, “We have to be open-eyed that the government is not a reliable partner.” He highlighted the ongoing need for security, noting the presence of police cars around his synagogue. “Security is foundational, but insufficient,” he remarked. “I don’t want to be a hostage in my own shul the rest of my life.” This feeling of being left to their own devices extends to the advocacy for Jewish rights and the freedom to express Jewish identity and Zionist beliefs.
The rabbi also pointed to a perceived shift in political stances, noting that while a former prime minister declared himself a Zionist, his successor has not made similar affirmations, a detail he finds significant.
Critiques of the Speech and Community Response
Matthew Taub, who attended the speech, described Carney’s remarks as offering “crumbs of concern” rather than a substantial response. The director of the advocacy group Unapologetically Jewish characterized the prime minister’s approach as a “politically-charged 4D chess game.” He proposed a counter-strategy: for community leaders to meet with Carney on Parliament Hill, demanding he listen to their perspectives and recommendations for addressing the root causes of the problem, with public visibility.
Amir Epstein, director of the pro-Israel advocacy group Tafsik, suggested that Carney’s speech validates the need for Canadian Jews to consider alternative plans, including relocation, as the situation deteriorates. “We have nothing to expect from this government,” Epstein stated. “They’ve made it very clear they’re not interested in supporting the Jewish community. They’ve made it very clear that they don’t really even see much of a problem.”
While acknowledging the United States as a potential destination, Epstein also voiced concerns about rising antisemitism there. His alternative suggestions include Israel or Panama, citing the latter’s historical friendliness towards the Jewish community. He urged preparedness rather than complacency, warning against ignoring the escalating threat.
“Betrayal After Betrayal” and Calls for Proactive Action
Michael Teper, president of the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation, described the speech as another in a series of perceived slights from the prime minister. He cited recent official statements critical of Israel, a call with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, and a conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog that he characterized as damaging to Israel’s standing. The appointment of Louise Arbour as Canada’s next governor-general also drew criticism due to her past record as UN human rights chief, which some NGOs argued demonstrated bias against Israel.
Teper concluded that the Jewish community is facing “betrayal after betrayal” and that the federal funding for security is merely a token gesture. He called for the community to take matters into its own hands and become proactively mobilized. “I think that what we’re failing to do is show up in large numbers,” Teper commented, referencing a perceived lack of community response to recent protests. He urged greater individual participation in defending the community’s standing.
Rabbi Yael Splansky of Holy Blossom Temple echoed the call for individual action, encouraging all Canadians who value peace and democracy to make antisemitism a personal concern and voice their views to elected officials. She emphasized that the Jewish community cannot tackle this issue alone and that a widespread response is necessary to counteract the growing presence of antisemitism.
Recommendations for Addressing Antisemitism
In a joint statement, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), along with various United Jewish Appeal offices, urged Ottawa to clearly identify the drivers of antisemitism in Canada, stating that anti-Israel and anti-Zionist hatred are significant contributors. Their recommendations include preventing terrorist organizations and their affiliates from operating within Canada and ensuring that public funds do not support organizations promoting hatred against the Jewish community. They also called for scrutiny of national institutions, such as the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, to address the “weaponization of national institutions.”
Noah Shack, CEO of CIJA, stressed the importance of increased engagement with elected officials, urging all Canadians to make their voices heard. He stated, “Regardless of what party they’re from, regardless of what part of the country you’re in, their job is to listen to you, and represent you in the parliament or the legislature or city hall.”
