In reviewing Australia's recent budget, I was struck by its robust response to the December 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack, which claimed 15 lives and wounded 40 others. The Australian government announced over AU$604 million (C$592 million) over five years for security measures targeting antisemitism. This contrasts sharply with Canada's approach, where antisemitism accounted for 70% of religious-motivated hate crimes in 2024.
Funding Disparity
Canada's April 2026 fiscal update mentioned antisemitism only once, lumping it with Islamophobia and hate against LGBTQ+ communities. The Carney government added $75 million over five years to the Canada Community Service Program, bringing total federal spending to $135 million, with 70% directed to Jewish groups. However, given Canada's Jewish population is nearly 3.5 times larger than Australia's, the per capita spending is minuscule: Australia provides roughly C$1,000 annually per Jewish resident, while Canada offers just C$70.
Security Needs Ignored
Canadian funding primarily covers capital and planning, not personnel costs. Jewish organizations have requested $100 million annually to match Australia's effort. It appears governments only act decisively after fatalities. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, previously criticized for ignoring antisemitism, moved only after the Bondi massacre.
Rising Antisemitism in Australia
Jews make up 0.5% of Australia's population, yet antisemitic incidents dominate. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported a fivefold increase after October 7, 2023, with over 3,700 incidents from October 2023 to September 2025, 45% involving graffiti or posters. Violent acts escalated from defacing a Jewish school in early 2024 to arson attacks on stores, cars, and synagogues by fall 2025.
Time magazine documented 17 violent antisemitic events from May 2024 to the Bondi attack, highlighting a brazen trajectory. Canada's lackluster response, despite similar trends, underscores a failure to protect its citizens.
