TULSA, OKLAHOMA — In recent weeks, many Canadian Jews have expressed fear and distress in messages sent to me. They share personal stories of marginalization and hopelessness, prompting some to seek ways to leave Canada. My own family's decision to relocate from Vancouver to the U.S. resonated with readers, leading me to inquire about the traffic to Tulsa Tomorrow, a program that aided our move. The findings were striking: as of late July, 34 percent of their site visits originated from Canada, a significant figure given the program's focus on attracting U.S. Jews to Tulsa.

The trend of Canadians leaving their country is notable. In 2024, 106,134 Canadians departed, marking the highest number since 1967. An additional 27,086 left in the first quarter of 2025, suggesting another record-breaking year is on the horizon. While not all of these individuals are Jewish, a considerable number are actively considering their options for leaving.

This situation is reminiscent of historical patterns where Jewish families have had to flee hostile environments. The current climate in Canada has raised alarms within the Jewish community, leading to sleepless nights for many as they ponder the future. Antisemitism appears to be gaining acceptance in Canada, exacerbated by rising tensions with the United States. Political leaders are fueling resentment toward America, which has morphed into widespread animosity.

Canadians are understandably frustrated, but this frustration is being manipulated by political entities at both federal and provincial levels. They seem eager to harness this sentiment to bolster their power and advance their legislative agendas. The decision by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to prorogue the government in January 2025 has intensified these tensions, allowing the Liberal Party to maintain control without a functioning government. This move may have jeopardized Canada's position in trade negotiations with the U.S.

Since the prorogation, several controversial actions have raised eyebrows, leading some to question whether they are politically motivated rather than beneficial for Canada. For instance, the refusal to eliminate the Digital Service Tax and Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent recognition of a Palestinian state are seen by some as provocations during sensitive negotiations.

Historically, state-sanctioned antisemitism has been used by governments to scapegoat Jewish communities for national issues. The current Canadian government's policies, which some interpret as complacency and hostility toward Israel, may be perceived as a form of sanctioning, regardless of intent. The lack of decisive action against antisemitism has only fueled the growing tensions.

For those in Canada, it is crucial to acknowledge the reality of the situation. While history may not repeat itself exactly, it often echoes past events. Many in the United States are aware of the struggles faced by our Canadian Jewish counterparts. We empathize with your plight. To my fellow Canadian Jews, I urge you not to direct your anger at Americans due to political figures like Trump.