Key Takeaways
- The Jewish community in Canada is on high alert following a deadly attack in Australia and a rise in hate crimes at home.
- Members of the Jewish community have reported increased antisemitism, including verbal abuse and confrontations.
- Police services have increased their presence around Jewish spaces and events, but community leaders say more must be done to address the issue.
- Hanukkah celebrations are continuing across the country, with a more sombre tone as communities reflect on the overseas attack and ongoing safety concerns at home.
- Community leaders are calling for support from all levels of government and non-Jewish allies to address the rise in antisemitism.
Introduction to the Issue
The Jewish community in Canada is reeling from the aftermath of a deadly attack in Australia, which has sparked a sense of shock and grief across the country. The attack, which occurred on Bondi Beach, has highlighted the growing concern of antisemitism, not just in Australia, but also in Canada. Members of the Jewish community have reported an increase in hate crimes and verbal abuse, leaving many feeling fearful and uncertain about their safety. As one bakery owner in Vancouver noted, "Canada used to be a beautiful country. Today it’s not." This sentiment is echoed by many in the Jewish community, who feel that the country has become a more hostile and unwelcoming place.
Personal Stories of Antisemitism
For Shimon Kahlon, the owner of Sabra Kosher Bakery in Vancouver, the attack in Australia was a stark reminder of the reality he faces every day. Kahlon reported that his bakery has been targeted by verbal abuse and confrontations, with some individuals even attempting to throw chairs. "People come here screaming about Jews and they try to throw chairs," he said. "I have a couple fights here … my wife, she holds me back." These experiences have left Kahlon feeling sad and anxious, and he is not alone. Many members of the Jewish community have reported similar experiences, including Andrew Kay, a customer at Kahlon’s bakery. Kay noted that he has noticed a shift in the way people treat him and his community, and that there is an "undercurrent" of antisemitism that is becoming more visible.
Community Response
In response to the attack and the rise in antisemitism, police services across the country have increased their presence around Jewish spaces and events. In Vancouver, police boosted security at a downtown menorah lighting, while in the Greater Toronto Area, officers set up command posts and increased patrols in Jewish neighbourhoods. While these measures are welcome, community leaders say that more must be done to address the issue. Sarah Lefton, the chief development officer of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, noted that "it doesn’t start and stop with the police." Lefton emphasized the need for support from all levels of government, as well as from non-Jewish allies, to address the rise in antisemitism. "When one religious group is threatened, we’re all threatened," she said.
Hanukkah Celebrations
Despite the sombre tone, Hanukkah celebrations are continuing across the country. In Winnipeg, Rena Secter Elbaze, the executive director of the city’s most historic synagogue, encouraged people to come together and celebrate the holiday. "Come en masse. We want you. We are going to celebrate. Our holiday will be joyful. We have many wonderful celebrations coming up in the next few days," she said. Similarly, in Windsor, about 100 people gathered to light the city’s tallest menorah, marking the beginning of Hanukkah. While the tone may be more sombre than in previous years, the celebrations are an important way for the Jewish community to come together and find strength and support in the face of adversity.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The rise in antisemitism in Canada is a worrying trend that requires immediate attention and action. As the Jewish community comes together to celebrate Hanukkah, it is essential that we also come together to address the issue of antisemitism. This requires support from all levels of government, as well as from non-Jewish allies, to create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all. By working together, we can build a brighter future for everyone, and ensure that the Jewish community feels safe and valued in Canada. As Secter Elbaze noted, "we need our peers — non-Jewish friends, colleagues and allies — to step up" and support the Jewish community in this difficult time. By doing so, we can create a more just and equitable society, where everyone can thrive and feel safe.
