Recent incidents in Canada have raised alarms about the resurgence of antisemitism. In Montreal, an Orthodox Jewish man was brutally attacked while walking with his three young children. In Victoria, graffiti was found on one of the country’s oldest synagogues, stating, "Jews are evil because genocide is evil." Additionally, a psychotherapist in Ontario sought a therapist for a client, specifying that the therapist should not be an "anti-Zionist."

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) recently withdrew a documentary about the October 7 Hamas attacks, citing a lack of a licensing agreement for footage filmed by the terrorists during their assault on Jews. TIFF's CEO issued a vague apology, referring to the October 7 incident as an "event" and mentioning "Islamophobia" alongside antisemitism. Critics argue that this comparison is inappropriate, emphasizing that the October 7 attacks were not merely an event but a significant atrocity.

These incidents are not isolated; they reflect a broader trend of antisemitism manifesting in both overt and subtle ways across Canadian society. Political leaders have contributed to this environment through consistent criticism of Israel. Senior government officials, including the prime minister, frequently make negative comments about Israel, which some believe fosters an atmosphere where antisemitism can thrive.

Canada has historically been a leader in combating antisemitism, having chaired the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and developed global strategies to address hate. However, this leadership appears to be waning. The resignation of Canada’s envoy for Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Fighting Antisemitism highlights growing frustration with the current climate.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East should not dictate how Canadians treat one another. Targeting Jews or any group based on international events undermines the nation’s core values of respect, tolerance, pluralism, and coexistence. Antisemitism is an age-old prejudice that adapts to contemporary contexts, often cloaked in political discourse or social justice rhetoric. Yet, its fundamental hostility remains unchanged.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) defines antisemitism as including actions such as justifying violence against Jews, spreading conspiracy theories about Jewish influence, holding all Jews accountable for the actions of a few, denying the Holocaust, and applying double standards to Israel compared to other democratic nations.

Addressing antisemitism is not solely a Jewish issue; it is a societal concern that affects everyone. History shows that hatred tolerated in one form can spread to target other minorities and dissenters. Therefore, confronting antisemitism is a collective Canadian responsibility. It requires moral clarity and courage, including speaking out against antisemitic rhetoric, challenging discriminatory practices, holding institutions accountable, and demanding fair reporting from the media.