What's driving increase in antisemitism. 

By Gazette Staff

June 2nd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

New national unity council to study what’s driving increase in antisemitism.

The new national unity council will assess what is driving antisemitism in Canada and improve research and data collection on hate incidents, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday.

Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking at a synagogue in Toronto.

Speaking at a synagogue in Toronto, Carney said “antisemitism has surged to levels not seen in the postwar period,” noting incidents including the firebombings of synagogues and bullets fired at Jewish schools.

He said more than two-thirds of all religion-motivated hate crimes in 2025 were directed at Jewish Canadians, who make up only one per cent of the population.

Combatting the problem starts with an admission that currently Canada is “failing Jewish Canadians,” he said.

“The crisis of antisemitism in Canada today is specific, it’s severe and it demands a targeted response, and that is what our government is fully committed to,” Carney said.

Senior Rabbi of Holy Blossom Temple Yael Splansky said antisemitism is “not a Jewish problem.”

“Just as people of colour cannot fix racism, just as women cannot correct misogyny, Jewish citizens cannot rid the country of antisemitism,” she said. “Only government can govern.”

“Canadian stability is being tested now. Canadian values are on trial now. At this watershed moment in its history, Canada must make good on its promise of peace, order and good government.”