‘Straight-Out Jew Hatred’: Canada’s Jewish Community Shaken By Antisemitic Incidents

Police officers separate opposing Palestinian and Israeli supporters during a demonstration against the fighting in the Gaza Strip, in Toronto on May 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Since the recent escalation of fighting between Israel and Hamas, violence against Jews by anti-Israel activists during protests as well as vandalism and online threats have rocked Canada’s Jewish community.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in every major Canadian city have included attendees holding hate-filled signage and violent outbreaks. At Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto on May 15, chants were heard of “death to the Jews” and “we will finish what Hitler started.”