Alarming Antisemitism in Canada

In Toronto, shattered glass and bullet-riddled windows became a horrifyingly common sight at Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School. Three separate times in 2024, the peace of this Jewish school was violently pierced by overnight gunfire, each attack leaving students, parents, and teachers shaken and fearful. These chilling incidents have contributed to community outrage and deep concern about the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada.

Jewish communities across the country have increasingly been targets of hate crimes, creating a societal crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. This issue has become a stark reflection of broader societal tensions and underscores the need for renewed efforts to protect Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Record Levels of Antisemitism in 2023 and 2024

In 2023, antisemitic incidents surged dramatically, with B’nai Brith Canada’s Annual Audit documenting 5,791 cases—a staggering 109% increase from the previous year’s 2,769 incidents. Physical violence alone tripled, increasing from 25 cases in 2022 to 77 in 2023. Alarmingly, this troubling trend continued into 2024, marking another record year of antisemitic incidents across Canada, driven by harassment, vandalism, and violent attacks. The continuation of this trend signals a deeply rooted issue, one that challenges Canada’s social fabric and tests its capacity to respond effectively.

The impacts of these incidents extend far beyond the immediate victims, affecting entire communities by fostering an atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and distrust. Community leaders have voiced growing concerns over the long-term psychological effects on individuals and families, as well as the potential implications for inter-community relationships and societal cohesion.

Toronto: A Disturbing Microcosm

Toronto, Canada’s largest and most diverse city, has become emblematic of this disturbing national pattern. The Toronto Police Service’s 2023 Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report indicated 365 recorded hate crimes, with nearly half (45%) targeting the Jewish community—a 108% increase from 2022. Incidents have included vandalism, threats, assaults, and even shootings, such as multiple attacks on Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School in 2024. These incidents have generated fear and unease, affecting the sense of security and well-being of the city’s Jewish residents. The intensity and frequency of such attacks highlight the urgent need for strengthened community and governmental responses.

York Region: An Alarming Trend

Adjacent to Toronto, York Region, which includes Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham, has similarly witnessed a troubling increase in antisemitic incidents. According to the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), Jewish residents represented 79% of victims in religion-based hate crimes, despite their relatively small proportion of the local population. This disproportionality reveals targeted hostility and emphasizes that antisemitism is not merely a fringe issue but a significant societal concern requiring immediate and strategic attention.

Specific incidents, such as vandalism of synagogues, antisemitic graffiti, and threats against community leaders, further underscore the severity of the issue in York Region. Community members have called for stronger protective measures, increased security funding, and greater collaboration with law enforcement.

October 7, 2023: A Catalyst for Increased Hate

The devastating terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, significantly influenced the escalation of antisemitism in Canada. Following this event, Canada saw a 32% increase in reported hate crimes between October and December, many directed explicitly against Jewish communities. Between October 7, 2023, and January 30, 2024, Montreal experienced 131 antisemitic hate incidents, according to police reports. In Vancouver, the Jewish community saw a 62% increase in police-reported antisemitic hate incidents in 2023 compared to 2022, with 33 of 47 incidents occurring after October 7. Synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centres became frequent targets, reflecting how international conflicts often translate into domestic hate crimes. This correlation underscores the necessity of protective measures and heightened vigilance, especially during times of global tension.

January and February 2025: A Continued Crisis

In January and February 2025, antisemitic incidents continued at alarming rates, according to data collected by police services, CIJA, B’nai Brith Canada, and other monitoring organizations. During these two months, Canada recorded a significant number of reported antisemitic incidents, surpassing the number of incidents from the same period in 2024. Early analyses indicate an increase of approximately 15% year-over-year, further underscoring the urgency of the crisis.

Notable incidents in early 2025 included widespread antisemitic graffiti, vandalism targeting Jewish-owned businesses, and threatening messages sent to Jewish community leaders. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver reported notable spikes in incidents compared to the previous year, reflecting a persistent and growing threat.

Experts attribute this ongoing increase to persistent international tensions, inadequate enforcement of existing laws, and inconsistent implementation of antisemitism definitions. These findings highlight the critical need for strengthened law enforcement measures, community protections, and governmental commitment to addressing hate crimes comprehensively.

Canada and the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism

Recognizing the critical nature of combating antisemitism, Canada adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism through Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019 to 2022. Ontario has also formally adopted this definition. In late 2024, Canada released the “Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism,” intended to guide practical implementation. However, inconsistent adoption across government departments, offices, and programs has undermined the definition’s effectiveness. This inconsistency has allowed individuals and organizations to selectively reference alternative definitions that do not fully recognize certain antisemitic practices, thereby perpetuating systemic issues. To address this, governments must mandate the IHRA definition as the exclusive reference point for defining antisemitism across all governmental publications and digital platforms.

Closing the Enforcement Gap

Although Canada has strong legal frameworks, including Sections 318 and 319 of the Criminal Code and protections under the Ontario Human Rights Code, a troubling gap remains between legislation and effective enforcement. Factors contributing to this gap include victims’ fear of reporting incidents, limited resources and training within law enforcement agencies, and the complex nature of prosecuting hate crimes. Additionally, the lack of uniformity in how hate crimes are classified and prosecuted across different jurisdictions further exacerbates this challenge.

Concrete Steps for Immediate Action

Effectively addressing the surge in antisemitism demands targeted strategies:

1. Enhanced Training: Providing specialized training for law enforcement to identify and address antisemitic incidents effectively.
2. Community Engagement: Building stronger relationships between Jewish communities and police to encourage accurate reporting and cooperation.
3. Resource Allocation: Increasing funding and resources dedicated specifically to hate crime units to enhance investigative and prosecutorial capabilities.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Promoting public education about antisemitism’s dangers and broader societal implications to foster tolerance and inclusivity.

Broader Implications for Canadian Society

Unchecked antisemitism historically signals broader societal intolerance, emboldening hostility against other marginalized groups. Protecting Jewish communities from hate crimes is not only morally imperative but essential for safeguarding Canada’s multicultural and inclusive values. Addressing antisemitism proactively can have positive ripple effects, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and mutual respect across all communities.

The alarming and continued rise of antisemitism in Canada demand immediate, decisive action. Bridging the enforcement gap, effectively implementing the IHRA definition, and fostering community engagement will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and societal cohesion, shaping the nation’s future.

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