Canada reports surge in antisemitic hate crimes, Jews targeted in 16.7% of incidents

Statistics Canada released data showing that in 2025 Jews were victims of 788 hate crimes, representing 16.7% of all hate crimes recorded that year. This follows a sharp rise from 492 incidents in 2021 and a peak of 959 anti‑Jewish attacks in 2023, the year of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks.

B’nai Brith Canada documented 27 violent antisemitic incidents in the first six months of 2025, more than double the total for the entire previous year. At the current rate the organization projects roughly 50 violent incidents by year‑end, equating to almost one weekly attack. Police investigations have linked some attacks to organized crime networks using encrypted communications.

The federal response has been criticised. The government eliminated a dedicated special envoy on antisemitism in February, folding the portfolio into a broader advisory council. While a Senate committee has called for reinstating the envoy, the prime minister pledged a “targeted response” and announced $75 million in security funding for the Jewish community over five years, a figure many leaders consider insufficient.