Senate Urges Action on Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes Surge

OTTAWA A Senate committee on human rights urged the federal government on Monday to launch enhanced education programs, digital literacy initiatives, and a national task force to combat a surge in anti-Jewish hate crimes and intimidation across Canada.

The report, tabled by the committee in Ottawa, highlights growing concerns over incidents targeting Jewish communities, including harassment and threats that have left many feeling vulnerable. Senators emphasized the need for immediate action to address the rise, particularly amid heightened tensions related to international events.

In specific recommendations, the committee called for the restoration of a dedicated antisemitism envoy position, which Prime Minister Mark Carney's government eliminated in February. Officials have since merged that role with a separate envoy focused on combating Islamophobia into a broader advisory council on rights, equality, and inclusion. The senators argued that reinstating the specialized envoy would provide more targeted oversight and response to antisemitic incidents.

The report expressed particular alarm at increasing Holocaust denialism among young people and stressed the importance of...