Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict three years ago, life for Jewish communities in Canada has undergone significant changes. Security measures have been heightened, from security guards searching bags before bar mitzvahs to students feeling compelled to hide their Star of David necklaces due to fears of violence. The atmosphere has brought concerns about public safety, with congregants now accustomed to emergency exit briefings at synagogue services.
Hate crimes against Canadian Jews have surged, including firebombings at synagogues and shootings at Jewish schools. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) reported in its annual 2025 report that incidents of religiously motivated violent extremism have increased significantly since the beginning of the conflict, noting that such extremism could inspire a new generation of attackers. Alarmingly, Jewish communities have become the most frequently targeted group in police-reported hate crimes, despite constituting less than one percent of Canada’s population.
In Toronto alone, police have made 573 arrests related to demonstrations and hate-motivated offenses targeting Jewish communities since October 7, 2023. Recent reports from the Ottawa Police Service Board highlight widespread anxiety among Jewish residents about displaying their identities publicly, with many expressing fear about wearing kippahs or Star of David symbols. This climate has prompted community organizations to adopt stringent security measures for gatherings, including registration, identification checks, and limiting event disclosures.
Lisa Grushcow, senior rabbi at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Montreal, articulated a sense of dislocation and concern among Jewish communities. She described how her synagogue, established in 1883, has seen disturbing incidents, such as a firebombing in June and a swastika being painted on its exterior in February 2025. Grushcow emphasized that the normalization of such events is deeply troubling, reflecting a broader societal issue. She has encouraged Canadians, especially non-Jewish individuals, to engage with Jewish communities more actively, as they navigate the balance between ensuring safety and feeling comfortable worshipping.
Recent violent incidents, such as a shooting at a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, have further heightened feelings of fear. Commenting on the situation, Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman noted the prevalence of security briefings at synagogues, something that has unfortunately become standard practice. Grushcow added that beyond immediate safety concerns, there are long-term implications for civic dialogue. She recounted an unsettling experience at a Pride march where she was confronted with hostility due to her Jewish identity, highlighting how connections to Israel can lead to alienation in public life.
The landscape of activism, particularly anti-Israel protests following the escalation of the conflict, has contributed to the complications Jewish communities face. Some protest leaders specifically target organizations seen as supportive of the Israeli military. Meanwhile, groups like Independent Jewish Voices argue that accusations of antisemitism are being leveraged to undermine pro-Palestinian sentiments. Nevertheless, Jewish individuals across Canada are feeling the brunt of antisemitic sentiments, irrespective of their political or ideological stances regarding Israel.
Grushcow has called for a new approach to dialogue that fosters respect and safety among diverse communities. She lamented the rapid tendency to dismiss those perceived to have conflicting loyalties, which undermines the essential skills necessary for constructive conversations across differences. There are ongoing discussions about the role of external influences, such as Iran, in exacerbating tensions within Canada. This concern was echoed by Ruby Sahota, the Secretary of State for Combating Crime, who cited evidence suggesting that those perpetrating violence against synagogues may be funded by a foreign entity.
While the Canadian government has increased funding for synagogue security and expanded hate-speech laws, Grushcow stressed that improving the situation requires comprehensive efforts beyond the Jewish community. She urged all Canadians to recognize and address the rising tide of antisemitism, emphasizing that acknowledging this shift in societal dynamics is the first step towards meaningful change.
