The Rise of Anti-Semitism in Canada is Un-Canadian and Must be Stopped

In recent months, we have witnessed a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric across Canada—rhetoric that is dangerous, divisive, and profoundly un-Canadian. It is a shameful resurgence of hate that, for decades, we thought had been relegated to the darkest chapters of our history. Instead, it has crept back into public discourse, emboldened by the anonymity of social media and embers of conflict igniting globally. Now, we are seeing it manifest again in protests, on university campuses, and even in acts of violence. This must stop—immediately.

Just last week, tensions flared during a protest in Montreal that escalated into chaos. As demonstrators clashed with police, objects, including paper and drinks, were hurled at officers. The protests, which began as an expression of discontent, quickly spiralled out of control, leading to arrests and confrontations that left a deep scar on the local community. The chants of "shame, shame" and "no justice, no peace" may have echoed loudly in the streets, but what truly resonated was the rise of anti-Semitic sentiments woven through these protests. This type of rhetoric, aimed at spreading hatred and fear, has no place in Canada.

What is most troubling is the undercurrent of anti-Semitism being cloaked in discussions about the Middle East conflict. No one wants war. No one. Yet, there are factions that use this conflict as a platform to attack the Jewish people, twisting it into something vile and personal. The facts are irrefutable: terrorists continue to attack Israel. The Israeli people, like any other, have the right to defend their homeland against relentless terror. And we, as Canadians, should be standing in solidarity with the fight against terrorism—not allowing it to divide us.

The situation at Canadian universities is especially concerning. Protests, once a hallmark of democratic expression, have morphed into platforms where anti-Semitic views are becoming normalized. The chants of “From the river to the sea” heard at these protests are nothing short of a death chant aimed at the Jewish people, calling for the eradication of Israel and its people. This is not a cry for peace; it is a cry for violence, for destruction, and for the perpetuation of conflict. It is a terrifying reminder that anti-Semitic views are being nurtured and spread among young minds, and if we don’t confront it head-on, it will continue to poison our society.

As someone who has written previously about the dangers of Hamas trying to indoctrinate Palestinian children in Canada, I received a flood of responses on social media, some of which are evidence of how deep the misinformation runs. One comment from an individual named Ahmed stated, “Supporting and standing for people in Palestine is not anti-Semitism. Maybe before writing a column, you should educate yourself on the situation.”

Let me be clear: supporting Palestinian civilians is not inherently anti-Semitic. There is a difference between supporting innocent civilians caught in the crossfire and supporting groups that explicitly aim to exterminate the Jewish people. Hamas is a terrorist organization with a documented history of violence against civilians and refusal to negotiate for peace. They have had multiple opportunities to release hostages and end the fighting, but they continue to choose war. To stand in solidarity with Hamas is not standing for peace—it is standing for terror.

Another response I received claimed, “Supporting Palestine has nothing to do with anti-Semitism. Palestinians are Semites, by the way, if you didn’t know.” This comment conveniently ignores the truth. The anti-Semitic slogans we hear at these protests are not calls for peace; they are calls for the destruction of the Jewish people. Anti-Semitism is not about ethnicity or semantics—it is about hatred, exclusion, and intolerance aimed squarely at Jewish individuals, regardless of their background.

Yet, there are people who choose to direct their anger at Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, while conveniently ignoring the atrocities committed by Hamas. The narrative is being manipulated, and misinformation is spreading unchecked. When the mainstream media fails to report these facts, it only deepens the divisions. This is why it is critical that we call out this dangerous rhetoric for what it is—hate speech disguised as political discourse.

If there is anything that should bring Canadians together, it is our shared belief in safety, security, and respect for all. Every single person, regardless of religion or nationality, has the right to feel safe in this country. When we allow protests to devolve into platforms for hate, we fail as a society. And make no mistake—these protests are not productive. They are not helping to advance peace in the Middle East or foster dialogue. They are stoking flames of intolerance and giving a megaphone to those who wish to perpetuate violence.

The facts remain: Hamas continues to attack Israel, a fact that is irrefutable. Hamas continues to hold hostages and chooses terror over peace, time and again. Yet, instead of channelling our outrage toward the leaders of this terrorist organization, some choose to target the Jewish people instead. That is unacceptable, and it must be condemned by every Canadian who believes in the values of justice and equality.

It is time we remember who we are as a nation. Canada was built on the principles of tolerance, inclusion, and diversity. We have been a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution and violence. But we cannot allow our values to be eroded by the rise of anti-Semitism. We must stand united against hate in all its forms—because this ongoing intolerance is not only destroying our communities but also threatening the very fabric of our country.

If we are to remain true to our values, we must stop this now. Silence is complicity, and complacency is dangerous. Let us ensure that Canada continues to be a place where all people—regardless of their religion, race, or nationality—feel safe, respected, and valued.