Reports indicate a rise in antisemitic hate incidents in Canada in 2023

Antisemitic incidents in Canada have seen a dramatic increase in 2023, with a rise of 109.1% compared to the previous year, according to B’nai Brith Canada’s annual audit. The total reported incidents reached 5,791, the highest ever recorded. While all regions of the country showed significant increases, Quebec stood out with a 27.6% drop in incidents.

The audit, which has been conducted since 1982, revealed that Ontario had the most incidents in 2023, followed by British Columbia, Alberta, the Prairies, and Atlantic Canada. Despite the drop in Quebec, Henry Topas, the Quebec regional director of B’nai Brith, expressed concern about the increase in violence in the province.

He noted that while the overall number of incidents may be down, the violence has risen, with 35 acts of violence reported in Quebec alone. Examples of incidents included the firebombing of a synagogue, gunshots fired at Jewish schools, and physical assaults on Jewish students.

Calls for action have been made, with some advocating for a second national summit to combat antisemitism. Marvin Rotrand, director general of United Against Hate Canada, emphasized the need for urgent measures to address the surge in hate crimes targeting the Jewish community.

The figures released by B’nai Brith align with other research and trends in the United States and Europe, indicating a significant increase in hate crimes. The demand for a national summit to combat antisemitism has garnered support from various Canadian leaders and community members.