CIJA Statement Ahead of Prime Minister's Address

Toronto, ON – May 31, 2026 – Ahead of the Prime Minister’s national address on Canada’s antisemitism crisis, Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, released the following statement:

“Since the Hamas-led October 7 terrorist attacks, extremists at home and foreign actors abroad have weaponized events in the Middle East to fuel hatred and violence against Jewish Canadians.

“This has caused an unprecedented crisis: violent assaults and terrorist plots, synagogues and schools shot at and firebombed, businesses and community centres threatened and vandalized. This is happening amidst a broader campaign to drive Jews from public life and out of Canada entirely.

“Canada's national security and our Canadian way of life are both under threat.

“The federal government has taken important steps to strengthen community security and advance new laws to combat hate. But more is required to advance both protection and prevention.

“Canada’s laws must be enforced and those who break them held meaningfully accountable. Government and law enforcement must address the drivers of this crisis, including radicalization, promotion of terrorism, and terrorist entities operating here in Canada.

“We have called for vocal and unequivocal leadership from all levels of government. The Prime Minister has an opportunity to set the tone from the highest office to make clear that nothing can justify the hatred, intimidation, and violence Jewish Canadians are experiencing and that every tool at the government’s disposal will be used to confront it.

“Monday’s address should serve as a call-to-action for governments, law enforcement, public institutions, and Canadians from all walks of life.”