In response to a troubling rise in antisemitism across Canada, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg are calling on the Jewish community to mobilize ahead of crucial provincial and potential federal elections. The initiative underscores the need for strong policies to counter antisemitic hate and extremism while reinforcing Canada’s core democratic values.
A Disturbing Rise in Antisemitic Extremism
Since Hamas’s October 7th massacre of Israeli civilians, Canada has witnessed a disturbing explosion of antisemitic incidents. Montreal has seen a staggering 670% rise in antisemitic acts, earning the city the unwanted title of “antisemitism capital of North America.” Across the country, violent rhetoric, harassment, and intimidation have targeted Jewish students on university campuses, Jewish businesses, and community centers.
In Winnipeg, recent protests, including an encampment at the University of Manitoba organized by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), have sparked concerns about Jewish safety on campus. Similar protests in cities like Toronto and Vancouver have included explicit calls for violence against Jews, further exacerbating fears within the community.
“The extremism and anti-Jewish hate ignited by the October 7th attacks should demonstrate to all Canadians that we cannot take our shared democratic values for granted,” the joint statement from CIJA and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg warned. “We each have a responsibility to push back against these dangerous trends and defend the core principles that should always define Canada.”
The Power of Political Engagement
To counteract the surge in antisemitism, CIJA and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg are urging the Jewish community to exercise their political power by voting and volunteering in upcoming elections. Key priorities include:
- Stronger Law Enforcement Funding to combat hate crimes and protect Jewish institutions.
- Safety Zones to prevent aggressive and violent protests targeting the Jewish community.
- Accountability in Universities to ensure Jewish students are protected from harassment.
- Jewish Student Protections in Public Schools to safeguard against rising antisemitic bullying.
Upcoming Elections: A Crucial Moment
The March 18 provincial byelection in Transcona presents an immediate opportunity for the Jewish community to make its voice heard. Advance polling runs from March 8 to 17, and all eligible voters are encouraged to participate. On the federal level, discussions indicate a potential election announcement as early as March 24, 2025.
“There are many ways to stand up against antisemitism, but nothing replaces the power and the privilege of the ballot box,” CIJA and the Federation emphasized.
Beyond Voting: Taking Action Against Hate
While casting a ballot is essential, Jewish organizations stress that political engagement should not end there. Through the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC), community members can volunteer in key electoral districts, ensuring that candidates who support strong policies against antisemitism gain momentum. Even a commitment of two hours can make a critical difference in voter turnout.
A United Front Against Hate and Extremism
The rise of antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue—it is a direct attack on Canada’s foundational values of democracy, pluralism, and human rights. By mobilizing politically, Manitoba’s Jewish community can take an active role in shaping a safer, more inclusive future.
At a time when Jewish Canadians are being targeted with increasing hostility, the message from CIJA and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg is clear: Don’t waste your voice. Make it count. Vote—and take a stand against hate.