OTTAWA — A significant portion of the Liberal caucus, amounting to nearly one-fifth, has publicly addressed the alarming increase in antisemitism in Canada following a violent incident involving a Jewish woman in her 70s. This incident took place at a grocery store in Ottawa, where she was stabbed, prompting outrage and concern from lawmakers.

Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather took to social media to share a letter he co-signed with 31 other Liberal MPs. The letter condemns the rising tide of antisemitism in the country, describing it as “deplorable” and warning that such acts of hate are in danger of becoming normalized within Canadian society. The MPs express a profound concern that, unlike three years ago when such incidents would have shocked the public, they are now becoming more commonplace and less surprising.

In response to the stabbing incident, the Ottawa police have charged a 71-year-old man with aggravated assault. Authorities are treating the attack as a “hate-motivated crime,” further highlighting the severity of the issue at hand. The lawmakers' letter emphasizes that the spread of hate should serve as a “call to action” for all Canadians. They urge various stakeholders, including all levels of government, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, public organizations, and workplaces, to actively combat rising antisemitism.

This emphatic call for action coincides with an upcoming internal caucus meeting of the governing party next week, as well as the return of Parliament on September 15. The sense of urgency surrounding the issue underscores the broader societal implications of hate crimes, especially against marginalized communities.

The letter by the 32 Liberal MPs starkly illustrates the increasing apprehension among political leaders regarding public safety and unity in Canada. It is a clear message that the government officials are taking the escalating violence seriously and are committed to addressing it head-on.