CIJA Responds to Reports of New Legislation to Protect Communities
Ottawa, ON – September 12, 2025 – According to reports, the federal government is expected to introduce legislation as early as Tuesday to restrict people from intimidating and obstructing individuals from entering places of worship, cultural community centres, and schools.
In response, Noah Shack, CEO, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs released the following statement:
“Since the Hamas-led massacre of October 7, 2023, our community has faced a sharp rise in antisemitism. Schools have been shot at, synagogues firebombed, Jewish-owned businesses vandalized, and even everyday activities like grocery shopping or taking your kids to the park have become unsafe.
“The data speaks for itself: a Canadian Jew is 25 times more likely to be the target of a hate crime than anyone else.
“Reports that the federal government will soon introduce legislation to restrict people from intimidating and obstructing individuals from entering places of worship, cultural community centres, and schools is a much-needed step in the right direction.
“To fully protect our communities and all Canadians from escalating threats, more action is needed to address the deeper sources of hatred and violence.
“We urge the government to continue pushing forward with measures to keep Canadians safe – including ensuring enforcement of existing laws, filling gaps in Canada’s anti-terror legislation, and boosting support for community security in Budget 2025.
“Progress on these fronts will not only safeguard the Jewish community, but it will help build a safer, stronger future for all Canadians.”
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Additional Background
