OTTAWA – A significant portion of the Liberal caucus, nearly a fifth, has come forward to express concern regarding the rising tide of antisemitism in Canada. This collective action follows a disturbing incident in which a Jewish woman in her 70s was stabbed at a grocery store in Ottawa. The incident has heightened awareness and urgency among lawmakers to address this pressing issue.
Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather shared a letter on social media, which he co-signed along with 31 other Liberal Members of Parliament (MPs). The letter categorically condemns the “deplorable” increase in antisemitic acts, stating that such incidents are becoming increasingly normalized in Canadian society. The MPs did not shy away from identifying the seriousness of the situation, arguing that Canadians must confront this growing phenomenon head-on.
In response to the stabbing, Ottawa police have charged a 71-year-old man with aggravated assault. Authorities are treating the incident as a "hate-motivated crime," further illustrating the severity of antisemitism that is emerging in the community. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the real-life consequences of hate and discrimination that individuals face daily.
The letter emphasizes that just three years prior, such a violent act against a member of the Jewish community would have shocked the nation. However, the signatories argue that the normalization of such hatred has made these incidents considerably less surprising today. This shift in perception is alarming to the MPs, who see it as a direct reflection of a society that is permitting hate to spread unchecked.
In a call to action, the letter urges all Canadians—including government officials, law enforcement agencies, schools, public institutions, and workplaces—to unite against the proliferation of hate. The MPs highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in combating antisemitism and fostering an inclusive society where all individuals feel safe and valued.
This public demand for action comes at a pivotal time for the governing Liberal Party, as it prepares for an internal caucus gathering in the coming week, followed by the return of Parliament on September 15. The timing underscores the necessity for legislative and societal measures to counteract hate crimes and support affected communities.
As Canadians reflect on the implications of these events, the message from the Liberal caucus resonates clearly: united action and dedication to anti-hate initiatives are crucial in addressing and reversing the troubling trend of antisemitism that has encroached upon the nation's values of diversity and acceptance.
