CIJA Welcomes New National Security Strategy, Urges Action to Protect Canadians

Ottawa, ON – October 29, 2026 – Following the release of The Plan for a Stronger Canada: National Security for Canadians, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued the following statement from CEO Noah Shack: 

“Canada’s new national security strategy recognizes that ‘threats once thought distant are now immediate and proximate.' For three years, Jewish Canadians have faced these threats directly – shootings and firebombings targeting synagogues and schools, public calls for the death of Jews at protests and open support for terrorist organizations in Canadian cities.

“Last month, the federal government explicitly recognized antisemitism as a matter of Canadian national security. Addressing this threat must be prioritized in the implementation of this new strategy, including at the proposed First Ministers’ Meeting on National Security.

"We will continue advancing concrete actions that government can undertake to strengthen counter-radicalization and counterterrorism, and to stop those who seek to weaken and divide us, including foreign states, new and evolving forms of radicalization, and organized criminal networks. 

“The strategy emphasizes strategic autonomy and international partnerships to strengthen Canada’s economy and national security. This is an opportunity for Canada to engage with Israel's significant expertise in defence, energy and technology, alongside its growing partnerships with countries such as Germany, India and the UAE. We urge Canada to build a pragmatic partnership with Israel that advances shared strategic interests.

“CIJA stands ready to work with the government to ensure the strategy translates into concrete action that strengthens the security and economic well-being of all Canadians.”

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