Sociologist Robert Brym Challenges IJV's Cory Balsam Over Antisemitism Claims
In a pointed rebuttal, Robert Brym, professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Toronto, has criticized Cory Balsam of Independent Jewish Voices for what he describes as a misreading of his recent National Post article and a misunderstanding of Canadian Jewish opinion polling data from the past two years. Brym, recognized as Canada's leading pollster on Canadian Jewish issues, asserts that Balsam's op-ed trivializes antisemitism by distorting key findings from his research.
Clarifying the Distinction Between Policy Criticism and Antisemitism
Brym directly addresses Balsam's claim that he argues "opposition to Israel is antisemitic," stating emphatically that this is not his position. According to a 2024 poll conducted by Brym, a significant majority of Canadian Jews—74 percent—believe that opposing specific policies of the Israeli government does not constitute antisemitism. This perspective aligns with many Canadian Jews who advocate for a demilitarized Palestinian state, express concerns about the extent of Israel's military actions in Gaza, condemn attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, and support equal rights for all citizens of Israel, including Arab populations.
The Core Issue: Opposition to Israel's Existence
However, Brym highlights a critical nuance in his polling data. While criticism of policies is widely accepted, 69 percent of Canadian Jews consider opposition to the existence of a sovereign Jewish state to be antisemitic. Brym argues that Balsam undermines this view by denying most Canadian Jews the autonomy to define antisemitism for themselves, thereby trivializing a serious issue that affects Jewish communities.
Overwhelming Support for Zionism Among Canadian Jews
Further bolstering his argument, Brym cites additional polling data. A second 2024 poll reveals that 94 percent of Canadian Jews support the existence of the State of Israel, which qualifies them as Zionists based on standard dictionary and encyclopedia definitions. In contrast, a 2025 poll found that only one percent of Canadian Jews identify as anti-Zionists, placing Balsam in an extreme minority. Brym notes that this minority view is not only unrepresentative of Canadian Jews but also of the global community, with 86 percent of United Nations member countries recognizing Israel's legitimacy, compared to only about two dozen Muslim-majority nations plus Cuba and North Korea that do not.
Brym concludes that Balsam's perspectives, and those of Independent Jewish Voices, reflect a fringe position that misrepresents the broader consensus among Canadian Jews and international opinion. This debate underscores ongoing tensions in discussions about antisemitism, Zionism, and Jewish identity in Canada, with Brym emphasizing the importance of accurate data and respectful dialogue in addressing these complex issues.
