B.C.’S Jewish Community Reacts to Introduction of Anti-Racism Act

Vancouver, B.C. – April 11, 2024 – Today, B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma introduced the province’s long-anticipated Anti-Racism Act, outlining the government’s framework for creating an action plan to address racism and remove systemic barriers for Indigenous and racialized people. The legislation was developed following consultations with ethnic, faith, and other vulnerable community groups, including the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.

In response, Nico Slobinsky, Vice President – Pacific Region, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said:

“No one should feel unsafe in British Columbia because of their heritage, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Recognizing that more work needs to be done to eliminate systemic racism and advance racial equity in our province, the introduction of B.C.’s Anti-Racism Act reinforces the government’s commitment to eradicating hate and fostering a community where all are welcome and respected.

“This work is vital to our community and to all diverse communities that call this province home. We look forward to working with the government to ensure that the Jewish community’s lived experiences with Jew-hatred are included in its data collection and reflected in the anti-racism action plan scheduled to be unveiled in 2026.

“That said, concrete action is needed now. Antisemitism has taken a devastating toll on B.C.’s Jewish community over the past few months, with many of us confronting Jew-hate at school, on campus, within public sector unions, and at work. According to the Vancouver Police Department, antisemitic hate crimes rose by 62% in 2023 over the previous year and are trending similarly in the first months of this year. We are looking to the B.C. government to take immediate steps to address and combat the anti-Jewish racism that our community is currently facing.”

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