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Canada faces surge in antisemitic violence targeting synagogues

Mar 11, 2026, 11:58 AM30
(Update: Mar 13, 2026, 12:24 AM)
capital and largest city of the province of Ontario, Canada
ethnoreligious group and nation from the Levant
Reform synagogue in New York City
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Canada faces surge in antisemitic violence targeting synagogues

  • Three synagogues in Toronto were shot at recently, including one during Purim celebrations.
  • In 2024, Canada reported over 6,200 antisemitic incidents, significantly higher than previous years.
  • The Jewish community and political figures are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to take concrete action against rising antisemitism.
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In Canada, over the weekend, multiple synagogues in Toronto were targeted by gunfire, resulting in heightened concerns within the Jewish community. Earlier in March, during the Jewish holiday of Purim, a synagogue was subjected to approximately twenty shots, sparking outrage and demands for action from the community, particularly towards Prime Minister Mark Carney. Despite the lack of injuries, these incidents have highlighted an alarming trend, with reports of antisemitism rising dramatically across Canada following the violent events initiated on October 7, 2023, in Israel. The League for Human Rights B'nai Brith Canada recorded 6,219 antisemitic incidents in 2024 alone, which amounts to an average of 17 per day, marking a stark increase from eight recorded incidents per day in 2022. Conservative political figures have criticized Prime Minister Carney's responses, accusing him of exacerbating antisemitism with his statements regarding the Middle East conflict. Carney, in his defense, asserted that he recognizes the challenges faced by the Jewish community and emphasized the importance of safety and security for all Canadians, including Jewish individuals. The Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for immediate actions to reverse the rising tide of antisemitism and protect Jewish life in Canada, declaring that global attention is focused on the issue as the community seeks safety amidst threats and violence. The ongoing pattern of antisemitism has prompted organizations, such as StopAntisemitism, to call for punitive measures against those perpetrating these hate crimes, emphasizing the imperative for justice and societal awareness of these issues across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Israel. The situation exhibits a pressing need for leaders and communities to take measurable steps towards combating hate and ensuring that the Jewish presence and way of life continue without fear of intimidation.

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