Jewish Leaders Come to Ottawa to Urge Parliament to Confront Rising Hate

Ottawa, ON – October 21, 2025 – Just two weeks ahead of the federal budget, Jewish community leaders from across Canada are gathered on Parliament Hill to meet with government and opposition representatives. Their message is clear: The Government of Canada must act decisively to confront the alarming rise in hate threatening Jewish Canadians and Canada’s inclusive, democratic society.

“From Victoria to Halifax, and cities in between, Jewish Canadians are experiencing an unprecedented surge in hate crimes and violent attacks. Schools have been shot at, synagogues firebombed and vandalized, Holocaust memorials desecrated, and community centres defaced with terrorist symbols,” said Noah Shack, CEO, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. “We’re in Ottawa to urge elected officials from all parties to work together on meaningful, practical measures that protect our community and safeguard all Canadians.”

Delegates will focus on core priorities that reflect the most urgent concerns of the Jewish community:

• Boosting investments in community security in Budget 2025
• Strengthening provisions in Bill C-9, Combatting Hate Act
• Closing gaps in Canada’s anti-terror laws
• Holding Hamas and the Palestinian Authority accountable
• Emphasizing Canada’s continued support for the U.S.-led Middle East peace plan

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Additional Background

• Statement: CIJA Responds to Announcement of U.S.-led Peace Initiative
• Statement: CIJA Responds to New Anti-Hate Legislation
• Statement: As Parliament Resumes, CIJA Urges Action on Rising Antisemitism
• Statement: CIJA Responds to Reports of New Legislation to Protect Communities
• 7 Recommendations to help advance Bill C-9 and maximize impact
• Press Release: Jewish Canadians Targeted 25x More in Hate Crimes
• Statement: CIJA Responds to Canada's Announcement Recognizing Palestinian Statehood