Campaign Against Jewish Summer Camps in Canada Reveals Antisemitic Undercurrents
For three weeks, a disturbing campaign has targeted Jewish children's summer camps across Canada, particularly in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. Various activist groups claiming to represent Palestinian interests have demanded provincial camping associations remove Jewish camps from their accreditation lists, alleging excessive support for Israel.
The Accusations and Their Dangerous Implications
These organizations have identified what they claim are 17 overnight summer camps throughout Canada that "support the state of Israel in some way." Their evidence includes camps celebrating Israel's Independence Day, observing Yom HaZikaron (Israel's memorial day), hiring Israeli staff, fostering appreciation for Israeli culture and history, and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism.
The most alarming aspect of this campaign is the public naming of specific camps, potentially endangering children and staff. As the author notes, "It only takes one psychopath or violent narcissist with a gun to destroy lives on an industrial scale," referencing tragic incidents at youth camps elsewhere.
Political Silence and Community Concerns
Despite the campaign running for weeks and receiving media attention, there has been notable silence from political leaders. While politicians often issue meaningless condemnations of intolerance, their failure to address this specific threat to Jewish institutions speaks volumes.
"These camps, and Canadian Jews, deserve some official public support, even if it's just rhetorical," the article argues. More importantly, they require concrete safety plans for the upcoming summer season and beyond.
The Flimsy Case Against Jewish Institutions
The accusations against these camps would be laughably weak if the potential consequences weren't so serious. The activities cited—cultural celebrations, educational programming about Israel, and adopting widely recognized definitions of antisemitism—are normal expressions of Jewish identity in Canada.
As the author bluntly states, "The charge, essentially, is 'being Jewish in Canada.'" This represents a fundamental attack on multicultural principles that allow diverse communities to maintain their cultural and religious identities.
Canadian Jewish Perspectives on Israel
University of Toronto sociologist Robert Brym's research provides important context. His 2024 survey found that 94% of Canadian Jews support "the existence of a Jewish state in Israel." In follow-up research, he discovered that many Jews who hesitate to identify as Zionist do so out of trepidation rather than opposition, with only one percent describing themselves as "anti-Zionist."
This data underscores how the campaign against Jewish summer camps targets mainstream Jewish identity in Canada, not some extremist fringe position.
The Broader Implications for Canadian Society
This situation raises critical questions about tolerance, safety, and the limits of political activism in Canada. When campaigns target children's institutions and potentially endanger young people, they cross a line that should concern all Canadians regardless of their political views on Middle Eastern conflicts.
The organizations behind this campaign "deserve every ounce of condemnation we can muster," the article concludes, emphasizing that protecting vulnerable institutions from targeted harassment is a fundamental responsibility in any democratic society.
