In recent years, Canadian Jews have increasingly been the targets of alarming acts of violence, intimidation, and hatred. These acts are not isolated incidents but part of a troubling rise in antisemitism that has gripped our nation. This pervasive crisis impacts the Jewish community across Canada, leaving many feeling unsafe in their own homes and communities. It is imperative that we, as a country, take immediate and decisive action to address this grievous issue.

Antisemitic incidents are varied in nature, including verbal and physical assaults, vandalism, and online hate speech. The statistics are staggering: according to B’nai Brith Canada, 2,769 antisemitic incidents were reported in 2022. This number more than doubled to 5,791 incidents in 2023—a 109.1% increase from 2022—marking a record high at the time and reflecting a dramatic spike, especially after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. The trend continued upward, with 6,219 incidents reported in 2024—a 7.4% increase from 2023 and a 124.6% increase from 2022—setting a new all-time record since B’nai Brith began tracking in 1982. This equates to an average of about 17 incidents per day in 2024, up from 8 per day in 2022. Violent incidents also rose sharply in earlier years (e.g., from 25 in 2022 to 77 in 2023). These worrying trends point to a systemic issue that demands thorough investigation and swift action.

It is a common occurrence that police departments are failing to bring charges and prosecute existing crimes that are present in the Criminal Code of Canada when it comes to the Jewish community. Despite the surge in reported incidents—including serious acts like vandalism of synagogues, shootings at Jewish schools, and assaults—many perpetrators act with impunity, with prosecutions remaining disproportionately low relative to the volume of incidents, as highlighted in testimonies before parliamentary committees, community reports, and calls for stronger enforcement of hate crime provisions.

We urgently call for the establishment of a Royal Commission to investigate not only the acts of antisemitism themselves but also to identify the systemic failures within our society and government that have allowed such hatred to proliferate. The Royal Commission should be tasked with uncovering the root causes of antisemitic ideologies, examining how these ideas are spread, and developing actionable strategies to combat them. It should evaluate existing legal frameworks and public policies, identifying shortcomings and recommending changes to better protect the Jewish community.

At all levels of government, there is an urgent need for accountability and action. Authorities must assess the effectiveness of current law enforcement practices in addressing hate crimes and provide adequate resources and training to officers dealing with these sensitive issues. Education is another crucial area; schools and community programs must prioritize teaching about diversity, tolerance, and the historical and cultural impacts of antisemitism.

Creating a safer environment for Canadian Jews requires commitment and cooperation from the entire Canadian society. Thousands of Canadian Jews and allies are calling for a safer Canada that stands firm against any form of discrimination or hatred.

We cannot allow this crisis to continue unchecked. The time to act is now. We urge all Canadians who believe in equality and justice to sign this petition, endorsing the need for a Royal Commission to investigate the systemic roots of antisemitism and hold those in power accountable for the safety of all citizens.

Australia has initiated their Royal Commission into Antisemitism & Jew Hate only after the tragedy of Bondi.  It would be advisable for Canada to hold its Royal Commission before a tragedy like Bondi happens.