Jewish Community in Canada Asks for Armed Guards Due to More Hate Incidents

Many Jewish people in Canada are worried because they see more hate crimes happening. They are asking for armed guards to help keep them safe. Some feel the government is not doing enough to stop this hate.
By Newsroom | Canada, Society |

Recent events reveal growing concern within Canada's Jewish community regarding increased antisemitic incidents, leading to calls for enhanced security measures, including the use of armed personnel. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of governmental forums and initiatives aimed at combating hate, yet community groups express skepticism about their efficacy and the government's commitment. The Jewish community points to a sharp rise in reported incidents and perceived inaction, prompting a direct appeal for more robust protective strategies.

The period following October 7, 2023, has seen a notable escalation in reported antisemitic acts across Canada. This surge is described as an unprecedented wave of hate, impacting Jewish individuals, institutions, and community spaces. While official bodies convene forums and outline action plans to combat antisemitism, representatives from Jewish organizations argue these efforts fall short of addressing the immediate safety concerns. The discourse highlights a gap between government initiatives and the community's felt need for tangible, immediate security enhancements, including armed guards.

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Government Efforts and Community Responses

The Canadian government has acknowledged the rise in antisemitism and has implemented various strategies to address it. These include national forums, action plans, and the designation of special envoys.

  • National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism: In March 2025, the government hosted a national forum focused on addressing antisemitism. This event brought together officials and stakeholders to discuss strategies and reaffirm commitments.

  • Action Plans and Initiatives: Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate (CAPCH) has funded online training for police services and Crown prosecutors on reporting hate crimes. The RCMP has updated its repository on hate crimes and incidents to better inform frontline officers.

  • Special Envoy: The role of Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism was established, with Deborah Lyons serving in this capacity. However, the position became vacant in July 2025, and the government has announced it will not be filled by a new envoy, opting instead for an advisory council.

  • Data Collection and Reporting: Efforts are underway with Statistics Canada to improve the recognition and reporting of hate crimes, aiming for better data consistency and awareness.

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Despite these governmental efforts, several Jewish community groups have expressed dissatisfaction and concern.

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  • Skepticism on Forum Outcomes: Following the March 2025 forum, Jewish organizations like B'nai Brith Canada stated they were "underwhelmed," finding the commitments insufficient in the face of rising violence. They noted the absence of proposals for stricter immigration controls or measures against rallies associated with certain international events.

  • Concerns over Envoy Position: The decision to replace the Special Envoy role with a general advisory council has been met with strong criticism. Groups like B'nai Brith Canada and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) argue that this move signals a "lack of commitment to fighting antisemitism" and raises "fundamental questions about how Canada intends to meet its international obligations."

  • Advocacy for Security: Organizations have repeatedly called for immediate action. B'nai Brith Canada reported a record 6,219 antisemitic incidents in 2024. CIJA CEO Noah Shack emphasized the need for "immediate concrete action on solutions that the Jewish community has long advocated for, including support for security and addressing the sources of hate."

Documented Rise in Antisemitic Incidents

Reports and data from various sources indicate a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in Canada, particularly in the period following October 7, 2023.

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  • Record Highs: In 2024, B'nai Brith Canada documented 6,219 reported cases of antisemitic incidents, an all-time record for the country. This statistic reflects a pervasive and growing issue.

  • Targeting of Institutions: Synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers have become frequent targets of vandalism and threats. Incidents include firebombing, shootings, and bomb threats directed at these institutions.

  • Escalation Since October 7: The period after October 7, 2023, is frequently cited as a time of heightened antisemitic activity. This includes incidents coinciding with escalating violence in Gaza and related international events.

  • Public Manifestations: Individuals have reported experiencing open and aggressive antisemitism on the streets, with instances of Nazi salutes, verbal abuse, and harassment of Jewish individuals and pro-Israel demonstrators.

  • Data Limitations: One report noted a statistic about antisemitism that went viral but lacked a verifiable source, highlighting potential issues with the dissemination and verification of data surrounding these incidents. However, official reports from organizations like B'nai Brith Canada provide concrete figures.

Perceived Gaps in Governmental Response

While the government has acknowledged antisemitism and undertaken initiatives, Jewish community representatives argue that these measures are insufficient or misdirected.

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  • Focus on Inclusion vs. Specific Threats: Concerns have been raised about whether a general "rights, equality and inclusion" advisory council can adequately address the specific and urgent issue of antisemitism. Critics question if Jewish interests will be prioritized within a broader framework.

  • Absence of Specific Envoy: The decision not to replace the Special Envoy on Antisemitism is seen as a significant misstep. This role was specifically tasked with addressing Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism, a mandate considered distinct from broader hate issues.

  • Lack of Tangible Security Measures: Community groups have voiced a strong desire for concrete security solutions, such as funding for armed guards and stricter security protocols for institutions. The government's focus on law enforcement and prosecution, while important, is seen as not fully addressing the immediate need for physical protection.

  • "Too Little, Too Late": The response from some Jewish groups suggests a perception that government actions are reactive rather than proactive, and that proposed solutions are often insufficient given the scale of the problem.

Community Calls for Armed Security

In response to the perceived inadequacies of current measures and the alarming rise in incidents, some members of the Jewish community are advocating for the implementation of armed security at synagogues and other Jewish institutions.

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  • Direct Appeal: The call for armed security represents a direct response to the heightened sense of insecurity. Reports indicate that individuals feel unsafe in their communities and are changing their daily behaviors.

  • Institutional Vulnerability: Jewish institutions, having been targets of vandalism and violence, are seen as particularly vulnerable. Armed guards are viewed as a necessary deterrent and a means to protect congregants and community members.

  • Justification for Security: The rationale behind seeking armed security is to counter the aggressive and often violent nature of antisemitic attacks, providing a layer of defense that is perceived as lacking in current security arrangements.

  • Historical Precedent: While not explicitly detailed in the provided texts, the historical context of antisemitism and its manifestations often involves calls for enhanced physical security measures when threats escalate.

Expert and Community Analysis

Leaders and organizations within the Jewish community have provided analyses of the situation and offered perspectives on governmental responses.

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  • Simon Wolle, CEO of B'nai Brith Canada: Stated that the absence of an antisemitism envoy "undermines Canada’s international reputation and signals a lack of commitment to fighting antisemitism." He urged the immediate filling of such a position.

  • Richard Robertson, Director of Research and Advocacy, B'nai Brith Canada: Asserted that the new advisory council "must prioritize combating antisemitism" and that "urgent action is required to confront the problem head-on and without delay."

  • Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA): Expressed expectations for "immediate concrete action on solutions that the Jewish community has long advocated for, including support for security and addressing the sources of hate." He also stressed the need for the government's approach to achieve "meaningful outcomes."

  • Concerns about Political Climate: Some analyses suggest that while antisemitism has deep historical roots, recent escalations are linked to international conflicts and political discourse, particularly concerning the Israel-Palestine issue. This has led to Jewish groups accusing critics of Israel's actions of antisemitism.

Conclusion and Implications

The data and statements presented indicate a critical juncture for the Jewish community in Canada. A documented and statistically significant rise in antisemitic incidents, coupled with perceived shortcomings in governmental responses, has led to urgent calls for enhanced security measures, including armed personnel.

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  • Escalating Threat: The increase in reported incidents, including vandalism, threats, and direct attacks on individuals and institutions, paints a picture of a growing and serious threat to Jewish safety and well-being in Canada.

  • Efficacy of Government Actions: The consistent skepticism expressed by major Jewish advocacy groups regarding government initiatives suggests a need for a reassessment of current strategies. The replacement of the Special Envoy role with a general advisory council is a point of particular contention, raising questions about the prioritization of combating antisemitism.

  • Community-Led Security: The push for armed security reflects a community's self-reliance in the face of perceived insufficient protection. This may necessitate a closer examination by authorities of the specific security needs and capabilities required by Jewish institutions.

  • Data Integrity: The circulation of unverified statistics underscores the importance of reliable data collection and reporting in understanding the full scope of the issue and informing effective policy responses.

The situation implies a demand for more direct, robust, and community-aligned strategies to combat antisemitism effectively and ensure the physical safety of Jewish Canadians.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Jewish people in Canada asking for armed security?
They are asking for armed security because there has been a big increase in hate crimes and threats against them and their places of worship.
Q: What is the government doing about hate crimes?
The government has held meetings and made plans to fight hate. They also have people who work on remembering the Holocaust and fighting hate.
Q: Do Jewish groups think the government's actions are enough?
Some Jewish groups say they are not impressed and that the government needs to do more to protect them right away.
Q: How many hate incidents happened?
In 2024, there were over 6,000 reported hate incidents against Jewish people in Canada, which is a record high.