Windsor's Jewish community is adopting a low profile and living with heightened caution as antisemitism resurges across Canada and online. Marion Zeller, executive director of the Windsor Jewish Federation and Community Centre, described the climate of fear that has forced the community to scale back public activities.
“Most of our events have become very low-key. We only advertise them internally … and you have to show ID to gain access,” Zeller told the Windsor Star. She added that many Jewish residents are now avoiding community and public gatherings entirely.
Community Impact Statement
In a community impact statement submitted ahead of the sentencing of Nicholas Amor, a LaSalle man convicted of public incitement of hatred, the federation expressed the ongoing fear within the community. “Our community lives with ongoing fear because of individuals like Mr. Amor; fear to be openly Jewish … fear that they may be attacked for simply visually expressing their religious belief,” the statement read.
Sentencing of Nicholas Amor
Ontario Court Justice Mikolaj Bazylko sentenced Amor to two years in prison for what he called “repulsive” and “vile” social media posts. Amor, 30, was arrested by LaSalle police in October and convicted under the rare Criminal Code charge of public incitement of hatred. His posts on Facebook and Instagram called for making Molotov cocktails and urged others to “fight back” with fire against Jews.
Amor was also found guilty of possession of a dangerous weapon. A third charge of possession of an explosive device was withdrawn at the Crown's recommendation. His jail sentence was reduced by 261 days for time served in pre-sentence custody. He received three years of probation, a 10-year weapons prohibition, and was ordered to submit a DNA sample.
Under probation conditions, Amor is banned from most social media and prohibited from visiting synagogues, Jewish schools, or organizations. He is also barred from participating in protests or events related to Israel, the Jewish community, or the Middle East.
Rise in Antisemitism Since October 7
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the kidnapping of hundreds, Jewish communities in Windsor, Canada, and worldwide have seen a surge in antisemitic threats and violence. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs welcomed the sentence, stating, “Today's sentence affirms a clear line: targeting Jews is not acceptable and carries real consequences.”
Zeller emphasized that the community's current reality is not how it should be. “Hatred is never OK,” she said, reflecting the sentiment of many local Jewish residents.
