What’s happening:
Canada’s Jewish community, historically one of the safest in the world, is currently experiencing a wave of antisemitic attacks in the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Incidents include a Molotov cocktail thrown at a synagogue and shots fired at Jewish schools.
Why it matters:
The rise in hostility and violence is creating a new challenge in ensuring the safety of Jewish communities globally and maintaining a positive international opinion towards Jewish people and Israel.
By the numbers:
Canada is home to the third-largest Jewish community outside of Israel, with about 400,000 Jews contributing significantly to the nation’s cultural landscape, especially in Montreal.
On the ground:
Local Jewish leaders and activists are confronting the surge in antisemitism head-on. Initiatives include a new law penalizing the removal of posters about Israeli captives and a global movement to erase hateful graffiti.
Community response:
Despite the fear, the Jewish community in Canada continues to show strong support for Israel, with thousands attending pro-Israel rallies. Increased police patrols and community volunteer efforts are in place to ensure safety.
The big picture:
The Jewish community in Canada remains resilient, emphasizing the importance of Jewish identity and solidarity with Israel. They assert that ceasing to live openly as Jews would mean a victory for antisemitic forces.
Contact:
To report hateful graffiti, reach out to Erasing Hate on their social media platforms.
This story was first published on ynetnews.