Norman Spector, a former chief of staff to Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and a past envoy to Israel and the Palestinian Authority, has shared his insights on the current state of antisemitism in Canada. As the second anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel approaches, Spector discussed the feelings of isolation among Jewish communities in Canada during a text exchange with Rob Roberts, editor-in-chief of National Post.

Spector noted that many Jews feel increasingly alone, contrasting this sentiment with his own experiences in a small city where he has not felt significant changes in his daily life. He acknowledged, however, that the situation is different for Jewish communities in larger cities like Toronto and Montreal, as well as in other Western democracies.

The October 7 attack has had a profound impact on Israel's global standing and on Jewish Canadians. Spector pointed out that early in the conflict, the Canadian Parliament adopted a motion to separate discussions of antisemitism from the war, but it received little attention. He remarked, "the war has been transplanted into Canada, fortunately in a much less violent manner," yet it has led to a decline in public opinion regarding Israel.

Spector criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's framing of the conflict, suggesting it has contributed to the negative perception of Israel. He explained that the longer the war continues, the more the humanitarian crisis in Gaza overshadows Israel's narrative. He stated, "the longer the war went on, the worse the deaths and destruction in Gaza looked compared to the atrocities."

He also discussed the role of media and academia in shaping public opinion against Israel, suggesting that decades of critical narratives have influenced perceptions. Spector acknowledged the tragic scenes from Gaza but emphasized that Israel's previous support stemmed from being viewed as a small nation fighting for survival.

In terms of Canadian domestic politics, Spector expressed concern over the recognition of a Palestinian state, viewing it as a response to public opinion rather than a principled stance. He noted that political leaders are navigating a complex landscape influenced by domestic sentiments.

As anti-Israel demonstrations are planned at Canadian universities to commemorate October 7, Spector highlighted the growing sense of isolation among Jews. He criticized the lack of intervention by authorities during these events, suggesting that labeling them as pro-Hamas rather than pro-Palestinian might have prompted a different response from law enforcement.

Looking ahead, Spector questioned whether a potential peace deal could alleviate tensions in Canada. He expressed skepticism about the likelihood of success in peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for both Israelis and Palestinians to elect governments that genuinely seek peace. He concluded that the future remains uncertain, particularly regarding Canada's ability to address the threats facing Jewish communities.