Carney’s council on antisemitism faces criticism for its controversial appointments

Concerns Rise Over Anti-Semitism in Canada

This week, Prime Minister Mark Carney raised alarms about the increased targeting of Jewish Canadians, announcing a new anti-racism council. Interestingly, this council includes members whose opinions on the Jewish state have sparked criticism.

In his address addressing anti-Semitism, Carney’s remarks drew fire from critics who questioned the wisdom of including two individuals seen as unsympathetic to Jewish community issues in a group dedicated to combating hate.

Among those criticized is Omar al-Ghabra, a former Liberal minister, who faced backlash for mourning the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. His silence following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel further fueled discontent. During a past incident in 2005, he had openly criticized the Toronto police chief for supporting an event in solidarity with Israel, labeling it a demonstration against a “foreign country in an unresolved conflict.”

Carney’s announcement was prompted by a recent synagogue shooting, underscoring the urgency of addressing rising anti-Semitic incidents in Canada. Opposition leader Pierre Poièvre pointed out al-Ghabra’s prior links to Hezbollah, questioning his suitability for a role aimed at tackling anti-Semitism.

Interestingly, while al-Ghabra labeled Hamas a terrorist organization in a 2016 debate, this contradiction adds layers to his position. Another controversial council member, Avnish Nanda, has been connected to pro-Palestinian efforts at the University of Alberta, sparking concerns about a hostile environment for Jewish students post-October 7.

Recent reports indicate that Canada anticipates a remarkable increase in anti-Semitic incidents, with B’nai B’rith predicting nearly 6,800 occurrences in 2025. Rabbi Zorie Claman expressed shock at al-Ghabra’s election to the council, citing his previous silence about recent attacks as particularly troubling.

Claman noted the challenges faced by Canadian Jews, particularly in terms of understanding the appointment of individuals with perceived anti-Israel sentiments to a council meant to support racial equality. As Carney introduced the Rights, Equality and Inclusion Council, he emphasized the need to combat racism broadly, but critics argue that a more focused approach to anti-Semitism is crucial.

B’nai Brith Canada appreciated the acknowledgment of anti-Semitism’s rise but insisted that more concrete action is necessary. Their CEO Simon Walle remarked on the council’s limitations, suggesting it lacks the necessary authority to address the crisis adequately. He further urged the government to consider a national emergency task force on anti-Semitism, arguing that immediate actions are essential in this climate of rising threats.

Activist Ariella Kimmel also criticized the council for not addressing the specific issues facing the Jewish community. She highlighted that while the Jewish population in Canada comprises only 1.2%, they are disproportionately affected by hate crimes. Kimmel called for more direct actions against anti-Jewish sentiments rather than broad, general council appointments.

In a world where Jewish communities are increasingly feeling the tension, there remains a call for more decisive measures, rather than abstract discussions. The urgency of the situation seems to demand not just awareness, but substantial action that addresses the real focus of rising anti-Semitism.