Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent address to the Jewish community at Holy Blossom Temple was a missed historic opportunity to confront Canada's escalating antisemitism crisis, according to columnist Avi Benlolo. The event, held on June 1, 2026, was by invitation only and kept the issue within the Jewish community, rather than addressing it as a national concern.
A Speech About Nothing
Benlolo, writing in the National Post, described the speech as eloquent but purely performative. He had hoped Carney would declare antisemitism a national emergency, invoking the Emergencies Act to address violent antisemitism and terrorism as a public welfare and order emergency. Instead, the prime minister offered nothing new, providing only minimum measures previously announced, such as continued work on Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, and additional funding for security at Jewish institutions.
Missed Opportunity for Leadership
Benlolo emphasized that antisemitism is not just a Jewish community problem but a national security issue for all Canadians. He criticized Carney for not delivering a national prime-time address from Ottawa, suggesting that the government feared offending antisemitic protesters who have marched on Canadian streets since October 7. The event also excluded questions, silencing the already victimized Jewish community.
Controversial Appointments
Benlolo expressed disappointment over the composition of the new Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights and Inclusion, noting that aside from Marc Gold, none of the members are Jewish, and few appear to be experts on antisemitism. He singled out the appointment of former Liberal Minister Omar Alghabra, recalling Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's comment that Alghabra once lobbied to keep Hezbollah legal. This, Benlolo argued, undermines the council's credibility.
Anger and Backlash
The Jewish community's anger is palpable after three years of attacks on synagogues and people, hateful demonstrations, and record-high antisemitic incidents. Benlolo concluded that Carney's speech was a staged performance about nothing, unlike the famous comedy show, this was no laughing matter.
