Wednesday was the third anniversary of the horrific attack in Israel that killed at least 1,200 Israelis. The October 7th assault was led by the terrorist organization Hamas, and it resulted in not only the deliberate targeting and killing of hundreds of civilians, hundreds more were taken captive and held for months, and in some cases years. Those that were fortunate enough to survive the captivity have told of the horrendous conditions they were forced to endure.
It is important to remember that the attack of October 7th, 2023 was targeted at innocent civilians. The purpose was to instill fear in the Israeli population. In homes, at the Nova music festival, in area Kibbutz’s and on highways, innocent people were killed and captured.
Three years later it is important to remember this attack. For Israelis, it was the equivalent of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On Wednesday evening, I joined Manitobans from the Jewish community along with others from many different faiths and traditions in a walk of remembrance. Remembering is important to honour those who were killed and to also show support for the Jewish community.
And that support is needed in Canada as well, as acts of antisemitism rise sharply. Hateful acts that specifically target the Jewish community are not only on the rise in Canada but around the world. Here at home, Statistics Canada recently reported data that indicated that while the Jewish community only accounts for one per cent of the population, a Canadian of Jewish heritage is 22 times more likely to be the victim of a hate crime than any other Canadian.
Combined with the attacks on Jews and synagogues during Jewish religious holidays and other targeted attacks, it is little wonder that there is a call for government and law enforcement to do more to stop antisemitism and hate crimes. Recently, a delegation was on Parliament Hill to meet with federal law makers to raise the concern about the safety of Jewish students on the campuses of Universities in Canada. It is another indication of the concern that is increasing in the Jewish community as acts of antisemitism also increase.
Recently, an exhibit that many feel provides a once sided depiction of the complex history of Israel since its Independence was declared in 1948 opened at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. It has caused resignations from the Board of the Museum, strong opposition from the Jewish community and beyond, and even a rebuke from Canada’s federal Minister of Culture for failing to identify the terrorist group Hamas and its intent to kill Jews. In a time of rising antisemitism and in the shadow of the attacks of October 7, 2023, it is little wonder that the Jewish community has expressed concern about how seriously all levels of government are taking the rise in hatred.
Of course, none of this is intended to mute the democratic right to raise concerns about the Israeli government. The valid debate and discussion about policies and actions of a government are part of democracy. But that is distinctly different than hatred directed at people based on their religion and ethnicity, as was demonstrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and through acts of antisemitism.
While I am a member of a different faith and culture, I continue to stand with members of the Jewish community in support of their right to live free from hatred. In a time when antisemitism around the globe is growing, every voice of support is valued and important.
