Poll: Canadians Perceive Israelis as More Likely Targets of Prejudice Amid Iran Conflict
A new national survey indicates that a majority of Canadians believe Israelis are more likely to face prejudice as a result of the ongoing war in Iran, compared to Palestinians or Iranians themselves. The poll, commissioned by the Association for Canadian Studies and conducted by Leger, was released ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, highlighting domestic perceptions of international conflicts.
Key Findings Across Demographic Groups
According to the survey, 63% of Canadians overall think Israelis will face more prejudice due to the war. This figure surpasses the 59% who believe Palestinians will experience prejudice and the 58% for Iranians. The perception intensifies significantly among older Canadians, with 77% of those aged 65 and older viewing Israelis as more likely targets of prejudice, compared to 68% for Palestinians and 66% for Iranians.
In contrast, younger Canadians aged 25-33 are less likely to hold this view, with only 48% believing Israelis face prejudice, 51% for Palestinians, and 48% for Iranians. Jack Jedwab, president and CEO of the Association for Canadian Studies, suggests that older Canadians may be following the issues more closely, leading to stronger reactions to the war's domestic effects.
Regional Variations and Immigration Status
The survey reveals notable regional differences in perceptions. Quebeckers are most likely to believe Israelis face prejudice, at 67%, compared to 64% in Atlantic Canada and 63% in both British Columbia and Ontario. Jedwab observes that Quebeckers may be more attuned to interreligious conflicts arising from the war, resulting in higher overall rates of perceived victimization.
Immigration status also plays a role in these beliefs. People born in Canada are more likely to think prejudice will affect all three groups: 66% for Israelis, 62% for Palestinians, and 61% for Iranians. Among those born outside Canada, the numbers are lower: 51% for Israelis, 50% for Palestinians, and 46% for Iranians.
Education and Political Sympathies
Interestingly, the level of education did not significantly impact respondents' beliefs in this survey. For instance, 62% of university-educated respondents believed Israelis would face prejudice, compared to 65% of college graduates and 62% of high school graduates. Jedwab notes that while education level usually influences survey results, it did not in this case, indicating the issue's broad resonance across educational backgrounds.
The survey also found a correlation between political sympathies and perceptions of prejudice. Among respondents who express greater sympathy for the Iranian regime, there is a much lower likelihood of seeing Israelis in Canada as victims of hate and prejudice. Specifically, 73% of those who want Canada to support the United States and its allies in the war believe Israelis are victims, compared to only 50% among those who prefer Canada to support the Iranian regime.
Broader Implications and Analysis
Jedwab adds that among respondents who think Palestinians are "very likely" to be objects of hate and prejudice, 84% also believe Israelis are likely targets, with 68% viewing it as very likely and 16% as somewhat likely. This suggests a recognition of mutual victimization in some segments of the population.
The war in Iran, which involves Israel and the United States launching an assault on Iran—a sponsor of anti-Israel terror groups like Hamas and Hezbollah—has clearly influenced Canadian public opinion. The survey underscores how international conflicts can shape domestic perceptions of prejudice and highlight generational and regional divides in understanding these complex issues.
