TORONTO – Israel Now says a recent social media post by Yves Engler, an unsuccessful New Democratic Party leadership candidate, constitutes a serious threat of violence against pro-Israel activists and Jewish community members.
The concern centers on a post published on X, formerly Twitter, in which Engler wrote, “Globalize the intifada at Israel Now.” The message was posted in reply to an account associated with Israel Now and has since circulated widely among Jewish and pro-Israel networks.
Meir Weinstein, founder of Israel Now, said the language used in the post goes beyond political rhetoric and should be understood as an incitement to violence.
“This is not a slogan divorced from reality,” Weinstein said in a statement. “The Intifadas were campaigns of violence that included suicide bombings, stabbings, shootings, and attacks on civilians. Calling to globalize that violence and directing it at a named organization is a serious threat.”
The term “Intifada” is widely understood by security experts and historians as referring to two major periods of sustained violence against Israelis, marked by attacks that killed and injured thousands of civilians. Jewish advocacy organizations have repeatedly warned that calls to globalize the intifada are an encouragement to carry out similar acts abroad.
Engler, who is known for his anti-Israel activism and outspoken positions on Middle East issues, has not publicly responded to Weinstein’s allegation as of publication. There has been no indication that the post has been removed or clarified.
Israel Now says it has documented the post and is assessing next steps, including whether to refer the matter to law enforcement or request intervention by social media platforms. Weinstein said the organization takes the threat seriously, given the global rise in antisemitism and recent attacks on Jewish institutions.
“This is not happening in a vacuum,” Weinstein said. “We are seeing synagogues vandalized, Jewish schools threatened, and community members attacked. Words like these have consequences.”
Legal experts have previously noted that while political speech is broadly protected in Canada, speech that can be reasonably interpreted as inciting violence against identifiable groups or individuals may cross legal thresholds, particularly when directed at a specific target.
The incident comes amid heightened concern within Jewish communities over the normalization of violent rhetoric related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since October 2023, Jewish organizations across Canada have reported a sharp increase in threats, harassment, and intimidation, often linked to protests and online campaigns that invoke militant language.
Security analysts warn that slogans such as “Globalize the Intifada” are not abstract. They reference real-world tactics and historical campaigns that resulted in mass casualties. As such, many Jewish and pro-Israel groups regard their use as inherently threatening.
The New Democratic Party has not issued a public statement addressing Engler’s post. Engler previously attempted to run in the NDP leadership race but was not successful. His candidacy drew attention for his sharply critical positions on Israel and Zionism.
For pro-Israel and Jewish audiences, the episode reinforces concerns that calls for violence are increasingly being framed as legitimate political expression. Community leaders argue that failing to challenge such language risks further escalation.
“This is a test,” Weinstein said. “It is a test of whether calls for violence against Jews and pro-Israel groups will be taken seriously or dismissed as rhetoric. We believe it must be taken seriously.”
As of publication, no police involvement had been confirmed. Israel Now said it would continue to monitor the situation and prioritize the safety of its members and supporters.
