Canadian political leaders, from Prime Minister Mark Carney on down, are being urged to adopt a critical New Year's resolution for 2026: stop tolerating hatred against Jewish citizens.
A Call for Action, Not Platitudes
The editorial argues that governments must move beyond empty statements condemning antisemitism and begin rigorously enforcing existing laws against hate speech, vandalism, trespassing, assault, and public mischief. It calls for an end to the characterization of disruptive protests—which have included trespassing on private property, vandalizing Jewish-owned businesses, and intimidating marches into Jewish neighborhoods—as protected Charter rights.
Since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the piece contends that government tolerance has fueled the worst outbreak of antisemitism in Canada since the 1930s. Official statistics underscore the crisis: Statistics Canada reports that over the past two years, a staggering 70% of all police-reported hate crimes based on religion targeted Jewish people, who constitute just 0.9% of the national population.
Government Actions and International Repercussions
The editorial asserts that governmental silence and specific policy decisions have created a dangerous perception that hatred against Jews is justified due to the conflict in Gaza. It points to several actions by the Liberal governments under Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney that were publicly praised by Hamas, a terrorist entity designated as such in Canada since 2002.
These include Canada's vote for a UN ceasefire resolution in December 2023, threats of "concrete actions" against Israel made jointly with the UK and France in May, and Carney's recognition of the state of Palestine in September, which Hamas lauded as the "fruits" of its initial attack.
The Global Context and a Warning for Canada
The recent Bondi Beach massacre in Australia, where ISIS-inspired terrorists attacked Jews celebrating Hanukkah, is presented as a harrowing example of where unchecked hatred can lead. The editorial warns that downplaying growing antisemitism sets the stage for violence.
It concludes with a direct appeal: Canada needs a unified resolution for 2026. All levels of government—federal, provincial, and municipal—along with police and courts, must stop allowing these crimes to go unpunished or receive only judicial slaps on the wrist. The message is clear: to protect its citizens and social fabric, Canada must move from passive tolerance to active enforcement against hate.
