B'nai Brith's annual audit reveals a disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents across Canada, with the vast majority occurring online. The 2024 report, released on Monday, recorded 6,800 incidents, of which 6,248 — a staggering 92% — took place on social media platforms.
Record High Incidents
This marks the highest number of antisemitic incidents ever recorded since the audit began in 1982. The average of 18.6 incidents per day includes 299 cases of vandalism, 243 instances of face-to-face harassment, and 10 violent attacks. Compared to 2024, the total represents a 9.4% increase and a dramatic 145.6% rise from the 2,769 incidents reported in 2022, the year before the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Normalization of Hatred
According to Richard Robertson of B'nai Brith, the data underscores the normalization of hatred against Jews in Canada. The report indicates that Canada's approximately 335,000 Jews are being targeted due to the actions of the Israeli government and military, which resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths in the Gaza war. This linkage is classic antisemitism, akin to attacking Canada's 1.78 million Muslims for global Islamist terrorism.
Criticism of Leadership
Politicians at all levels are criticized for their insufficient response, often feeding the flames of antisemitism through silence in pursuit of votes. University presidents and media organizations are also called out for failing to address the problem. The editorial argues that silence perpetuates the myth that criticizing Israel is automatically labeled antisemitic, ignoring that harsh criticism of Israel comes from within Israel itself, including from former military and intelligence officials.
Call for Courage
The article concludes that while Canada has laws against promoting hatred, assault, vandalism, and public mischief, what is lacking are leaders with the courage to unequivocally condemn Jew hatred. The rise in antisemitism since October 7, 2023, presents a challenge that requires decisive action from all sectors of society.
