Housefather, 31 other Liberal MPs release call to action on rising antisemitism in Canada

Liberal MP Anthony Housefather and several of his colleagues have released a joint statement denouncing the alarming increase in antisemitism in Canada. The statement comes in the wake of a vicious attack on a Jewish woman at an Ottawa grocery store, which police have classified as a hate crime.

The victim, a woman in her 70s, was stabbed in broad daylight, leaving her critically injured. The perpetrator, Joseph Rooke, was swiftly arrested and charged with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon. This horrific incident has highlighted the urgent need to address the rise of antisemitism in our society.

In their statement, Housefather and his fellow MPs highlighted the normalization of antisemitic attacks on Jewish synagogues, schools, businesses, and even individual members of the community. They emphasized the importance of standing up against hatred and discrimination towards Jewish communities and called on Canadians to unite against this disturbing trend.

Statistics Canada reports a significant increase in police-reported hate crimes against Jewish people, with 920 incidents recorded in 2024. This surge in antisemitism underscores the pressing need for action at all levels of society to combat this dangerous trend.

The Liberal MPs expressed their support for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment to introduce legislative changes to the Criminal Code aimed at preventing intimidation and fear outside places of worship, schools, and community centers. They also pledged to bolster funding for the Canada Community Security Program to enhance the protection of vulnerable communities and places of worship.

Prime Minister Carney has condemned the attack on the Jewish woman in Ottawa as deeply disturbing and reassured the Jewish community that the government stands with them against hate and threats to their safety. He vowed to confront antisemitism wherever it arises and uphold the values of tolerance and inclusivity in Canadian society.

The joint statement issued by Housefather and his colleagues serves as a powerful call to action for all Canadians to reject hatred and bigotry in all its forms. By standing together against antisemitism, we can create a more just and compassionate society for all.