The Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation (CAEF) has formally requested that the Victoria Police Service launch a criminal investigation into Imam Younus Kathrada, a religious leader in Victoria, B.C., over repeated public sermons allegedly advocating genocide and promoting hatred against Jews, actions that may contravene Section 318 of the Criminal Code.
In a letter addressed to Chief Constable Manakk and copied to the Attorney General of British Columbia, CAEF detailed multiple recent incidents, including an April 18, 2025, sermon, in which Kathrada is reported to have called for violence against Jews and glorified “armed struggle.” The foundation argues that Kathrada’s statements go beyond protected religious expression, as they do not merely interpret religious texts but actively incite violence and hatred.
Kathrada’s rhetoric has drawn national attention and condemnation from Jewish advocacy groups for years. In recent sermons, he described Jews as “the real enemy,” called for their annihilation, and encouraged Muslim youth to engage in armed conflict, according to documented video evidence and monitoring organizations such as MEMRI. Community leaders warn that such language not only violates Canadian hate speech laws but also risks radicalizing youth and fueling antisemitic violence.
B’nai Brith Canada and Honest Reporting Canada have also filed complaints with police, emphasizing the urgent need for law enforcement to act. “There is nothing that justifies using one’s position as a religious leader in this country to call upon your constituents to engage in violent acts against another religious minority,” said Rich Robertson, director of advocacy at B’nai Brith Canada.
Victoria Police have acknowledged awareness of Kathrada’s statements and confirmed that specialized officers are reviewing the evidence. As hate crimes and antisemitic incidents rise across Canada, advocates stress that decisive action is needed to ensure that hate speech and incitement are not tolerated under the guise of religious discourse.