In recent months, Canada has witnessed a disturbing rise in antisemitism, a trend that has escalated significantly following the horrific events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a brutal attack that has reverberated through global communities, particularly affecting Jewish populations. Reports indicate that incidents of antisemitism in Canada surged to unprecedented levels last year, making it a pressing issue for the Jewish community as the country approaches a pivotal federal election scheduled for April 28, 2024.

During a recent public address, Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party and the primary contender against Prime Minister Mark Carney, made strong remarks against pro-Hamas protests, referring to them as "hate marches." He went further to promise the deportation of individuals visiting Canada who engage in antisemitic actions. "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 stated emphatically, highlighting his concerns over the safety of Jewish Canadians.

Poilievre's statements were not just political rhetoric; they were accompanied by a heartfelt message directed at the Jewish community. "To Canada's Jewish community, 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," he declared, aiming to reassure those feeling vulnerable amidst rising antisemitic sentiment.

In a show of unity and support, the Montreal Jewish Community Council recently urged Jewish voters to consider backing Poilievre, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in these troubling times. Rabbi Saul Emanuel, the groups executive director, referenced the Conservative leader's commitment to the community, stating, "We remember who stood with us when it mattered most, and now we can all make a difference." He pointed out that Jewish voters could decisively influence outcomes in as many as 14 electoral districts across Canada.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has also taken to social media to denounce antisemitism, sharing a message on Twitter that coincided with the Jewish holiday of Passover. In his statement, Carney underscored the necessity of confronting the escalating tide of antisemitism, recognizing its threat to Jewish life and safety throughout Canadian communities.

However, Carney has faced backlash for his response to a disruptive comment made during a campaign rally in Calgary, where an attendee accused the government of ignoring a "genocide happening in Palestine." Carneys response, acknowledging the situation by saying, "Im aware. Thats why we have an arms embargo [on Israel]," was interpreted by some as dismissive, prompting criticism from various quarters.

The political discourse surrounding antisemitism has reached the ears of international leaders as well. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized Carney's stance, insisting that Canada should stand firmly alongside Israel. "Canada has always sided with civilization. So should Mr. Carney. But instead of supporting Israel, a democracy that is fighting a just war with just means against the barbarians of Hamas, he attacks the one and only Jewish state," Netanyahu commented on social media, illustrating the international implications of the rising antisemitism in Canada.

According to a recent audit released by Bnai Brith Canada, the country recorded a staggering 6,219 incidents of antisemitism in 2024, marking a 7.4% increase from the previous year and the highest tally since the survey began tracking such incidents in 1982. Alarmingly, antisemitic occurrences have surged by 124.6% compared to 2022.

Richard Robertson, the director of research and advocacy at B'nai Brith Canada, spoke on the growing prevalence of antisemitism, stating, "Over the last 18 months, a new baseline has been established for antisemitism in Canada, and it's having a detrimental effect on the lives of Jewish people." He pointed out that specific forms of antisemitism, particularly those that manifest as anti-Zionism, are on the rise.

Irwin Cotler, a former justice minister and the attorney general of Canada for the Liberal Party, expressed concerns that antisemitism has become normalized within various sectors of society, including politics, academia, and media. He called for the incoming government, whichever party prevails in the election, to take concrete steps in addressing hate crimes and ensuring the safety of Jewish communities. "The community of democracies must act because the security of our collective freedom is at stake," Cotler warned, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Israeli Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, echoed these sentiments, asserting that many local Jews feel increasingly vulnerable and unprotected by law enforcement. He noted that Israel, as the homeland of the Jewish people, has a moral obligation to advocate for Jews in distress globally. "Equipping teachers with the resources to teach about antisemitism and the Holocaust is essential to ensure future generations understand the dangers of hatred and continue to embrace peace, tolerance, and equality," he remarked, underscoring the need for education in combating hate.

The audit highlighted several jarring incidents, including a cartoon published in Quebec's La Presse depicting Netanyahu in a derogatory manner and instances of violence against Jewish individuals, such as altercations at the University of Toronto where a pro-Hamas protester shouted at a Jewish student. Other alarming events included an arson attack on a synagogue in Vancouver and multiple shootings targeting a girls school in Toronto that serves the Jewish community. Such acts have led to increased calls for government action against antisemitism.

In response to the growing crisis, Israeli President Isaac Herzog challenged the Canadian government to act decisively against antisemitism. "The world must wake up. Words are not enough. Synagogues burned. Jews attacked. Never again is now," he declared, invoking the historical commitment to prevent another Holocaust.

Anthony Housefather, a Member of Parliament for the Mount Royal area, known for its significant Jewish population, stressed the necessity for a coordinated response across all levels of government. He referenced the alarming statistics as a clear indication of the urgent need for action. "Every level of government in the country needs to work together to implement all the recommendations set out in the justice committee report of last December and the commitments made at the national summit on antisemitism in March," Housefather stated, calling for unity in tackling this critical issue.

Meanwhile, Neil Oberman, the Conservative Party candidate contesting against Housefather, expressed concern over personal safety within the Jewish community, stating, "It's a stark reminder of the urgent need for a federal government consisting of adults implementing actions instead of putting together summits and position papers and blaming everybody else to combat hate and protect vulnerable communities." His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among constituents regarding the need for effective and immediate action amidst a climate of rising antisemitism in Canada.