Auschwitz-Birkenau March of the Living
On April 14, 2026, a significant gathering took place at the former Nazi extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim, Poland, for the annual March of the Living. Thousands attended to honor the memories of those who lost their lives during the Holocaust.
During the event, Nate Leipsiger, a 98-year-old Canadian Holocaust survivor, highlighted the concerning rise of anti-Semitism, especially in Canada, urging leaders to take action against those who perpetuate such hatred. Speaking at the march, he recounted a disturbing incident in Toronto where a mezuzah was forcefully taken from his apartment door. Additionally, his synagogue experienced a drive-by shooting in March, an event that deeply shook the community.
Leipsiger expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s terrible that we lost our sense of security,” and emphasized that once that sense is gone, it becomes unpredictable when or where another act of violence might occur. He reminisced about his past, explaining how he had come to Canada after being liberated from concentration camps in 1945.
He believes that to prevent history from repeating itself, people must confront lies and uphold the truth. “We must stand up for our right to live as Jews in any country,” he asserted.
Recent statistics indicate a dramatic increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Canada—the B’nai Brith reported over 6,200 cases in 2024 alone, a notable rise from previous years. The Jewish community has expressed deep concern over their safety amid this climate.
Israeli officials have communicated these worries to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government. Ambassador Ido Moed underscored the serious nature of attacks on synagogues, mentioning that Canada is viewed as a high-risk country for mass shootings. In response, discussions on enhancing cooperation between Canada and Israel regarding education and security have begun.
Yehuda Kaprun, the U.S. envoy for monitoring anti-Semitism, stressed that it’s crucial for leaders to take definitive steps against anti-Semitism, including designating terrorist organizations. The call for collective action is notable, given rising incidents, including a shooting at a Jewish-owned restaurant in Toronto during Passover.
Recent attacks have led many in the Jewish community to advocate for stronger safety measures and greater government involvement. For instance, Richard Marceau from the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs indicated a significant disparity in hate crime incidents faced by Jewish Canadians compared to other groups, calling for a robust response from various government levels.
As the march concluded, representatives of law enforcement emphasized their commitment to engaging with the Jewish community to ensure its safety. There is a shared sentiment that education on the historical context of anti-Semitism is essential for effective policing and community protection.
World Jewish Congress figure Sylvan Adams criticized the government’s response to recent incidents, urging the need for acknowledgment of radical extremism’s role in ongoing threats. The sense of urgency in his words reflects a broader call for collective vigilance and action against rising anti-Semitism in both Canada and beyond.
