Community Survey Reveals High Level of Antisemitic Incidents in British Columbia

More than half of community members have experienced at least one antisemitic incident

Vancouver, B.C. – March 19, 2025 – In the lead-up to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver released the results of a recent survey that highlights the alarming extent of antisemitism in British Columbia.

The findings reveal a community facing widespread and intensifying discrimination:

• 62% of Jewish community members have experienced at least one antisemitic incident.
• 61% have struggled with mental health issues since October 7, 2023.
• 85% of those surveyed said antisemitism had “increased a lot.”
• 93% of community members feel “less secure” now than they did before October 7, 2023. Only 4% feel “as secure” today.

“We know our community is resilient – we have survived persecution for more than 2,000 years and we will keep coming together to survive the next two millennia,” said Ezra Shanken, CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. “Rising antisemitism is a problem here in B.C. and across the country. This survey puts real numbers to what we’ve all been feeling. The impact has been large with more than 60% of our community facing an incident or a mental health challenge.”

“I wish these results were surprising, but unfortunately, they are not. I want to thank our allies for standing with us to fight the oldest of hatreds. The Jewish Community has faced growing hate since the massacres of October 7, 2023. Since then, CIJA and Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver have worked together with a wide cross section of community groups to mitigate the impacts,” said Nico Slobinsky, Vice President – Pacific Region, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. “We will continue to shine a light on antisemitism, not just on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, but every single day.”

Other key survey findings included:

• Since October 7, 2023, 16% of respondents experienced one antisemitic incident, and 46% experienced more than one.
  • The nature of antisemitic incidents included remarks or verbal abuse in person (65%), remarks online (62%), vandalism (37%), and physical attacks (5%).
  • Incidents took place in public venues such as a park or library (55%), at work (32%), at a post-secondary institution outside of class (19%), in a public sector union (17%), and at an arts event (12%).
  • Places of work of those who experienced antisemitism in their places of work: healthcare (33%), education (30%), arts & culture (12%), and provincial government/public service (10%).
• Those who have experienced mental health issues reported anxiety (90%), anger (70%), fear (65%), feelings of hopelessness (64%) and depression (61%).
• 61% of those surveyed have avoided wearing items that would identify them as Jewish, and 65% have avoided places and events out of concern for their safety in the face of antisemitism.

The survey aimed to assess the real-world impact of antisemitism on the Jewish community in B.C., including its effects on mental health and personal security. The data is based on responses from 302 community members, representing about 7% of British Columbia’s Jewish population, with the majority residing in the Lower Mainland.