A United Cry: Canadian Jewish Leaders and Antisemitism Envoy Demand End to Political Exploitation of Hate

In a powerful and unified stand, leading Jewish organizations across Canada, alongside the country's Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism, are issuing an urgent and unequivocal demand to politicians: cease the reprehensible practice of exploiting hate for electoral advantage.

This impassioned plea comes at a time of heightened societal tension, marked by a disturbing surge in both antisemitism and Islamophobia since the horrific events of October 7th.

Shimon Koffler Fogel, the President and CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), articulated this sentiment with profound clarity.

"Antisemitism is not a political football to be tossed around for partisan gain," Fogel stated emphatically. "It is a grave and insidious threat that requires genuine, unwavering commitment, not cynical manipulation." His words underscore the perilous consequences of trivializing a deeply rooted form of hatred for temporary political mileage.

The call to action is not abstract; it’s rooted in tangible concerns, with pointed references to the divisive rhetoric observed in an ongoing federal byelection in Toronto.

Leaders warn that such localized instances are symptomatic of a broader, troubling trend where the pain and fear of communities are weaponized in the pursuit of votes, further fracturing an already strained social fabric.

Echoing this critical alarm, Michael Levitt, Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism, delivered a stark message about the ethical responsibilities of those in public office.

"Exploiting divisions, especially at a time when communities are reeling from a surge in hate, is not only reprehensible but a profound failure of moral leadership," Levitt declared. He emphasized that genuine leadership demands a commitment to unity and understanding, rather than the opportunistic amplification of animosity.

Marilyn Glaser, the Director of Government Relations for B'nai Brith Canada, reinforced this powerful message.

"Our leaders must stand as beacons of unity, actively working to bridge divides rather than widen them," Glaser urged. "Hate, in any form, erodes the very foundations of our pluralistic society, and it is incumbent upon every elected official to actively combat it, not to implicitly or explicitly endorse it for political gain."

These urgent appeals arrive amidst alarming statistics: a significant surge in hate crimes targeting both Jewish and Muslim communities across Canada since October 7th.

The leaders collectively decry what they perceive as the "performative nature" of some political responses – actions that may appear to address hate but ultimately lack the sincerity and substance required to foster real change. They insist that the current moment demands authentic solidarity, compassionate discourse, and a steadfast commitment to protecting all Canadians from the venom of bigotry.

It's a powerful call for accountability, urging politicians to rise above petty partisanship and prioritize the well-being and unity of the nation.