Canadian Jews considering immigration to US under Trump amid increasing fear of antisemitism

Canadian Jews are increasingly considering immigration to the United States amid a surge in antisemitic incidents, with Republican figures including President Trump suggesting refugee status for them. The article profiles individuals like Sari Watson, who skipped Yom Kippur services due to fear, and Sheldon Shugal, who is researching a move. It notes a 9.3% rise in antisemitic incidents reported by B'nai Brith Canada and details attacks on synagogues. However, some Canadian Jews, like Lawrence Stanleigh, reject the idea, citing Canada's social safety net and arguing antisemitism is worse in the US.

Canadian Jews are increasingly considering immigration to the United States amid a surge in antisemitic incidents, with Republican figures including President Donald Trump, Florida Sen. Rick Scott, and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt suggesting refugee status for them. The article profiles Sari Watson, who skipped Yom Kippur services due to fear and was safely at home when a gunman attacked her childhood synagogue near Belleville, Ontario on September 20, 2026. Sheldon Shugal of Calgary is researching a move, citing antisemitism since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. B'nai Brith Canada reported a 9.3% increase in antisemitic incidents from 2024-2025, with online harassment surging. Attacks include gunfire at Toronto synagogues in March and April 2026. Immigration lawyer Lauren Cohen notes half her Canadian clients cite antisemitism as a primary reason for leaving. However, some Canadian Jews like Lawrence Stanleigh reject the idea, citing Canada's social safety net and arguing antisemitism is worse in the US. The article also notes a Jewish journalist acquired an Austrian passport as a precaution.