The 8 Actions
Governments Must Take Now
Governments in Canada already know the nature of the threat, the scale of the problem, and the consequences of continued inaction against the escalating crisis of antisemitism. What is needed now is a serious and immediate response commensurate with the gravity of the moment. The safety of Jewish Canadians must be guaranteed, public order must be restored, and those responsible for facilitating antisemitic violence must be brought to justice.
B’nai Brith Canada released eight actions governments in Canada must take to protect the Jewish community. Since then, the Federal Government has announced a $10M investment to strengthen security for Jewish communities across Canada.
This deployment of national security resources to safeguard Jewish institutions was one of the actions we called for.
It is a step in the right direction. But more must be done.
Below is the complete list of actions governments must take:
Federal Government
1. Establish a national antisemitism emergency task force
The Federal Government must immediately convene a national task force bringing together federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal authorities, along with security agencies and community stakeholders, to coordinate an integrated response to the antisemitism crisis.
2. Treat violent antisemitic attacks as domestic terrorism
The repeated targeting of Jewish institutions with gunfire must be investigated and prosecuted as acts of domestic terrorism. Federal law enforcement and prosecutors must prioritize these cases and ensure that the appropriate charges are laid to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
3. Deploy additional national security resources to protect Jewish institutions
Federal security infrastructure and funding must be mobilized to support the protection of synagogues, schools, and Jewish-owned businesses and community institutions facing credible threats.
Provincial and Territorial Governments
4. Fund immediate security protection for Jewish Institutions
Provincial and territorial governments must provide emergency funding to ensure that paid-duty police or professional security personnel are deployed to protect synagogues, schools, community centres, camps, and Jewish-owned businesses facing credible threats.
5. Treat violent antisemitic attacks as domestic terrorism
Provincial and territorial governments must establish dedicated prosecution units with the expertise and mandate to handle antisemitic violence, hate crimes, and ideologically motivated offences. These cases must be prosecuted with urgency, consistency, and the full weight of the law.
Municipal Governments
6. Ban events that incite hate and intimidation
Municipal authorities must act immediately to prevent events that promote hatred or intimidation against Jewish communities.
Al-Quds Day is the most immediate test.
Cities must not permit rallies that glorify violence, celebrate terrorist organizations, or call for the destruction of Israel. These events create a permissive environment for hate and intimidation and cannot be allowed to proceed.
7. Enforce zero tolerance for intimidation in public spaces
Municipal police must enforce existing laws against hate speech, incitement, and intimidation at demonstrations and public gatherings.
8. Prioritize the protection of Jewish neighbourhoods and institutions
Municipal police services must increase patrols and maintain a visible presence around synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centres.
The attacks we are witnessing did not occur in isolation. They are the consequence of allowing hate to fester unchecked on our streets.
A substantial reward must also be offered immediately for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for targeting Jewish institutions and businesses with gunfire.
Jewish Canadians will not be intimidated, and Jewish life will not be driven underground in this country. Governments must act now, with force, clarity, and conviction, or accept responsibility for allowing this crisis to deepen even further.