Over the past weekend, two synagogues in Toronto faced gunfire incidents, following an attack on another synagogue just days prior, where around 20 shots were fired during the Jewish holiday of Purim. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in these incidents. However, many members of the Jewish community are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to take more decisive action, rather than mere comforting statements that often accompany such anti-Semitic events.
Prime Minister Carney expressed that, “This anti-Semitic and criminal act infringes upon the right of Canada’s Jewish citizens to live and pray safely.”
In light of the first attack, Israel’s National Security Council advised Israelis abroad to remain vigilant and to adhere to security protocols. They suggested that Israelis should avoid displaying their Jewish or Israeli identities publicly and exercise caution in places associated with Judaism.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog highlighted the situation, stating, “All eyes are on Canada. It’s crucial to halt the rising tide of anti-Jewish sentiment that has been escalating since October 7.”
According to reports, anti-Semitic incidents in Canada have surged significantly since the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. B’nai Brith Canada revealed that there were 6,219 anti-Semitic incidents recorded in 2024 alone, averaging 17 occurrences daily—more than double the eight cases each day noted in 2022.
Interestingly, numbers for 2025 haven’t been published yet, but the Canadian public safety department reported that from April to June 2025, 69% of religiously motivated hate crimes were aimed at the Jewish community.
Conservative MP Roman Barber criticized Prime Minister Carney and other liberal politicians for allegedly exacerbating hatred towards Jews in Canada. He expressed concern over Carney’s previous remarks about the situation in Gaza, suggesting that they contribute to an environment of anti-Semitism. Barber further pointed out a past incident from April 2025, where Carney’s comments after a heckler stirred controversy regarding perceptions of genocide.
Carney later maintained that his remarks were misinterpreted and insisted that recognizing a Palestinian state does not condone terrorism or diminish Canada’s support for Israel.
In response to the alarming rise in anti-Semitism, the watchdog group Stop Anti-Semitism remarked, “The persistent threat of anti-Semitism is evident every day. Efforts to intimidate or silence our communities will not prevail.” They affirmed that the Jewish community will continue its presence and way of life globally.
Moreover, the group called for stringent punishment for those responsible for such acts, emphasizing that justice must prevail and serve as a deterrent.
