When home no longer feels safe: 5 years with Canadian Jewry
Yaron Dekel, until recently the head of the Jewish Agency delegation in Canada, describes the complex situation of Canadian Jewry five years after October 7. On one hand, the community stands at the forefront of support for Israel with delegations and donations. On the other hand, it feels uncomfortable when the Israeli government presents criticism of its policies as antisemitism, and it finds itself as an unwanted representative of the Netanyahu-Ben Gvir government. The rise in overt antisemitism, including shootings at synagogues, keeps them up at night.
Yaron Dekel, until recently the head of the Jewish Agency delegation in Canada, paints a complex picture of Canadian Jewry five years after October 7, 2023. The community, the fourth largest in the world, stands at the forefront of support for Israel: dozens of delegations have arrived in the country and donations to the southern and northern communities have soared. However, at the same time, Canadian Jews found themselves in an uncomfortable position. The Israeli government has often presented criticism of its policies as antisemitism, and the community found itself, unwillingly, as a kind of representative of the Netanyahu-Ben Gvir government. One of the biggest supporters of Israel in Canada is quoted: "The moves of Minister Ben Gvir, which cause damage to Israel in the international community, do not make things easier for us." Meanwhile, the rise in overt antisemitism, including shootings at synagogues, keeps them up at night. Community leaders have increased security measures, and at a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, shots were fired on the eve of Yom Kippur. The community criticizes the Canadian government and the mayor of Toronto, who they say treat the threats with leniency. The Jewish Agency has nearly doubled its number of emissaries in Canada to 52, and the communities are thirsty for meetings with Israelis who are not government representatives. The rate of immigration to Israel stands at about 420 immigrants per year, but most Canadian Jews see Canada as their home. The central question hovering over the community is what place Israel will occupy in the lives of the next generation.