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Wave of Synagogue Attacks Heightens Concerns Over Rising Antisemitism in Canada
Over the weekend, two Toronto synagogues were targeted in shooting attacks, coming just days after another synagogue was struck by approximately twenty gunshots during Purim celebrations. These incidents, while causing no physical injuries, have intensified calls from the Jewish community for substantive action from Prime Minister Mark Carney beyond mere expressions of solidarity.
Carney addressed the attacks on social media, stating that these “antisemitic and criminal attacks violate the right of Canadian Jewish men and women to live and pray in complete safety” and “represent a serious assault on the way of life of all Canadians.”
In response to the first synagogue shooting, Israel’s National Security Council issued warnings to Israelis abroad, advising them to “conceal Jewish and Israeli identifiers while in public spaces,” remain vigilant in “areas associated with Israel or Judaism,” and avoid locations identified as Jewish or Israeli.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized the gravity of the situation, writing on social media that “all eyes are on Canada: it’s time to halt the unprecedented wave of Jew-hatred that has erupted since October 7th.”
The attacks are part of an alarming trend of increasing antisemitism in Canada since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. According to the League for Human Rights B’nai Brith Canada, 2024 saw 6,219 antisemitic incidents across the country—an average of 17 incidents per day, more than double the eight daily incidents recorded in 2022.
While comprehensive statistics for 2025 have yet to be published, Public Safety Canada reported that between April and June 2025, “Among hate crimes targeting religion… the majority were directed at the Jewish community (69%).”
Conservative MP Roman Baber has criticized Prime Minister Carney and other liberal politicians for “adding fuel to the fire of Jew hatred in Canada.” Baber specifically pointed to Carney’s campaign rhetoric, stating, “When the Prime Minister on the campaign trail says he knows there is genocide in Gaza, he engages in Jew hatred.”
This criticism references an April 2025 incident where Carney responded to a heckler who shouted that “there is a genocide happening in Gaza” by saying, “I’m aware, that’s why we have an arms embargo.” Carney later claimed he had not heard the word “genocide” in the heckler’s statement.
Baber also condemned Carney’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state, which was announced the day before the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, saying it “rewarded the brutality of Hamas.” In his announcement, Carney maintained that recognizing “the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas,” and “in no way compromises Canada’s steadfast support for the State of Israel, its people, and their security.”
The antisemitism watchdog organization StopAntisemitism told Fox News Digital that “every day we are seeing painful reminders that antisemitism remains a real and dangerous threat. Acts of violence meant to intimidate or silence our community will not succeed. Loud and proud Jews will not allow hatred or fear to deter our Jewish way of life or our presence in the world.”
The organization called for perpetrators to “be punished to the fullest extent of the law so that justice is served and deterrence is clear.”
These attacks have heightened concerns about the safety of Jewish communities in Canada and raised questions about the effectiveness of government measures to combat rising antisemitism. Law enforcement agencies have increased security around Jewish institutions while investigations into the shootings continue.
The incidents in Toronto are part of a troubling global increase in antisemitic violence and harassment that has sparked debates about the intersection of Middle East politics, free speech, and religious discrimination in Western democracies.
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11 Comments
These synagogue shootings are a troubling escalation of antisemitism in Canada. The government must take decisive action to address this issue and reassure the Jewish community that their safety and religious freedom will be protected.
These attacks are a stark reminder that antisemitism remains a serious problem. The government’s response will be closely watched. I hope they take decisive action to hold perpetrators accountable and reassure the Jewish community.
Synagogue shootings are unacceptable acts of hatred. The government needs to send a clear message that such attacks will not be tolerated and take concrete steps to enhance security and combat antisemitism.
Absolutely. Protecting religious freedom and ensuring the safety of all Canadians must be a top priority.
I’m troubled by the escalation of antisemitic attacks in Canada. Synagogues should be sacred spaces, not targets. The authorities must investigate these incidents thoroughly and work closely with the Jewish community to address this troubling trend.
These attacks on synagogues are unacceptable. The government must take strong action to address the underlying causes of antisemitism and ensure the safety of the Jewish community. Expressions of solidarity are not enough – concrete policy changes are needed.
Agreed. Protecting religious freedom and ensuring the safety of all Canadians should be a top priority for the government.
The rise in antisemitic attacks is deeply concerning. The government needs to work closely with the Jewish community to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat hate and ensure the safety of places of worship.
Synagogue shootings are horrific acts of intolerance. The government needs to do more than just express solidarity – they must take concrete steps to protect places of worship and combat the rise of antisemitism in Canada.
These attacks on synagogues are deeply concerning. The Jewish community deserves to feel safe while practicing their faith. I hope the government takes strong action to address this rise in antisemitism and protect all places of worship.
Deeply disturbing to see synagogues targeted in these attacks. The Jewish community deserves to feel safe and secure. I hope the government works swiftly to enhance security measures and send a strong message that such hatred will not be tolerated.