OTTAWA, Canada | Canadian political leaders are wishing Jewish communities a Shana Tova as Rosh Hashanah begins Friday evening, with several of the countryโs most senior elected officials using their New Year messages to address rising antisemitism and the security of Jewish Canadians.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller were among those issuing formal greetings ahead of the beginning of the Jewish year 5787.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and mayoral candidate Brad Bradford also posted Rosh Hashanah messages Friday.
The greetings come at a difficult moment for Jewish Canadians, after several years of elevated antisemitic incidents, threats against Jewish institutions and heightened security requirements at synagogues, schools and community centers.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown Sept. 11 and continues through Sept. 13.
Carney: Antisemitism Has Reached Postwar Highs
Prime Minister Mark Carney directly addressed antisemitism in his Rosh Hashanah statement, saying Jewish communities are entering the New Year after several years of unprecedented hostility.
โFor the past three years, antisemitism in Canada has surged to levels not seen in the post-war period,โ Carney said. โIt is unacceptable, and it is in direct contradiction to our foundational Canadian values.โ
Carney said Canadians of every faith and background deserve to live โfreely, openly, and safely,โ describing that principle as part of what he called the Canadian covenant.
The prime minister pointed to federal measures including the Combatting Hate Act and an additional $75 million committed to the Canada Community Security Program, which provides security support to faith-based institutions and other vulnerable community organizations.
Carney said the sound of the shofar reminds us of renewal and unfinished work.
โWe are reaffirming our commitment to build a better country where all Jewish Canadians can be visibly, fully, and joyfully Jewish in public life,โ he said.
He concluded simply: โShana Tova.โ
Poilievre Pledges Conservatives Will Defend Jewish Communities
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also placed antisemitism at the centre of his Rosh Hashanah message.
โAs the Shofar roars, Jews in communities across Canada and around the world come together to celebrate Rosh Hashanah,โ Poilievre said.
He described the holiday as a time of renewal, repentance and reflection, noting traditions including challah and apples dipped in honey.
But Poilievre said the holiday also arrives as Jewish institutions face increasing hostility.
โAs Canadaโs synagogues and Jewish institutions face an unacceptable rise in antisemitic attacks, Rosh Hashanah is also a chance to reaffirm the values of faith and freedom Canada has long sought to protect,โ he said.
โConservatives are committed to defending our Jewish communities and ensuring that every Canadian can practice their religion freely and in safety.โ
Poilievre concluded by wishing Jewish Canadians โhope, peace and renewal.โ
โShana Tovah!โ
Miller: No One Should Have to Choose Between Faith and Safety
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller issued a separate federal statement recognizing Rosh Hashanah as the beginning of the High Holy Days and a period of reflection, renewal and hope.
Miller said the holiday is also an opportunity to reaffirm common Canadian values at a time of growing antisemitism.
โAs antisemitism is on the rise in Canada and throughout the world, with the conflicts and instability that can sometimes divide us, we must remain united more than ever before,โ he said.
Miller highlighted federal security measures and efforts to strengthen the Canada Community Security Program.
โIn Canada, no one should have to choose between freely practicing their faith and traditions and feeling safe,โ he said.
He wished those celebrating peace, health, happiness and hope before concluding: โShana Tova Uโmetuka!โ
Ford Reaffirms Ontarioโs Support for Jewish Communities
Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised the provinceโs Jewish community and reaffirmed his governmentโs commitment to religious freedom and security.
โTonight, Jewish families across Ontario will gather around dinner tables, in synagogues and in their communities to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and the beginning of a new year in the Hebrew calendar,โ Ford said.
He described the holiday as a time of reflection and faith in the year ahead.
โFor generations, Ontarioโs Jewish communities have demonstrated resilience, generosity and leadership, making incredible contributions to our economy, culture and public life,โ Ford said.
โAs the new year and the High Holidays begin, we reaffirm our governmentโs commitment to standing with Jewish communities and ensuring that everyone in Ontario can practice their faith freely and safely.โ
Ford concluded: โShana Tova!โ
Toronto Leaders Offer New Year Greetings
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also extended Rosh Hashanah wishes to the cityโs Jewish community Friday.
โThereโs nothing like the sound of the Shofar!โ Chow wrote.
She offered her โwarmest wishesโ to those gathering for Rosh Hashanah and concluded, โShana Tova UโMetukah,โ wishing the community a good and sweet year.
The message came during a week in which Chow also formally proclaimed Sept. 8 to 13 as Jewish Leadership in Canada Week.
The City of Toronto proclamation recognized Jewish contributions to Canadian legal, civic and public institutions and reiterated the cityโs commitment to confronting antisemitism and discrimination.
Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford issued his own concise message Friday.
โShana Tova to Torontoโs Jewish community!โ Bradford wrote.
The greetings come only days after Bradford and fellow mayoral candidate Chris Alexander participated in a Jewish Lawyers of Canada forum focused on antisemitism and public safety, where both criticized Chow for not attending.
A New Year Under Heightened Security
The prominence given to antisemitism in this yearโs political greetings reflects the environment in which Canadian Jews are entering 5787.
What would traditionally be largely ceremonial messages about reflection, family, faith and renewal now frequently include references to security, intimidation and the right of Jews to live openly.
Carney described the rise in antisemitism as unprecedented in Canadaโs postwar period.
Poilievre referred to an โunacceptable rise in antisemitic attacks.โ
Miller said Jews should never have to choose between practicing their faith and feeling safe.
Ford pledged that Jewish Ontarians must be able to practice their religion freely and safely.
The language differs, but the underlying message is consistent: political leaders increasingly recognize that Jewish security has become a national issue rather than solely a concern for Jewish institutions themselves.
That reality will be visible throughout the High Holy Days as synagogues and community organizations across the country maintain increased security precautions.
Rosh Hashanah nevertheless remains fundamentally a celebration of renewal.
Families will gather around holiday tables, apples will be dipped in honey, prayers will mark the beginning of the Days of Awe and the shofar will call Jewish communities toward reflection and repentance.
In Winnipeg, Rosh Hashanah begins Friday evening, with Jewish congregations holding services and community meals throughout the weekend. Chabad-Lubavitch of Winnipeg lists holiday observances from Sept. 11 through Sept. 13.
Against the backdrop of another difficult year for Jewish communities in Canada and around the world, the traditional wish remains unchanged.
Shana Tova UโMetukah. May 5787 be a good and sweet year.
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