OTTAWA – U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy for combating antisemitism, Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, is calling on Canada to enhance its efforts in addressing the alarming rise of anti-Jewish sentiment. During a recent visit to Ottawa, Kaploun emphasized that Canada needs to take stronger action to ensure the safety of its Jewish community.
Kaploun, who spent part of his childhood in Ottawa, was appointed as the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism last December. He expressed deep concern regarding the increase in antisemitic incidents in Canada, referencing recent police reports indicating that 788 hate crimes targeting Jews were recorded in 2025—a significant rise from 492 in 2021.
His visit comes amid a troubling backdrop of attacks against Jewish schools, businesses, and places of worship across Canada. Notable incidents included gunfire directed at the American consulate in Toronto and attacks on two Jewish-owned bakeries. Additionally, a fire severely damaged a kosher restaurant in Montreal, which police are currently investigating as arson.
Kaploun highlighted the urgent need for the Canadian government to respond more decisively. He articulated feelings of insecurity among Canadian citizens, particularly within the Jewish community, which has been exacerbated by recent violent events. Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Kaploun lamented the differences in societal attitudes towards inclusion and community cohesion compared to the past.
The Canadian government, represented by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office, asserted that it has taken significant steps to address antisemitism, including tougher laws and community safety investments. A spokesperson outlined the administration’s commitment to fostering a society where Jewish Canadians can live freely and safely. However, Kaploun critiqued this response as inadequate, comparing current levels of antisemitism in Canada to the state of Germany during the rise of Adolf Hitler and suggesting that the situation parallels horrors from the past.
Doris Bergen, a professor emerita at the University of Toronto, cautioned against drawn-out comparisons to the Nazi era, arguing that they detract from the real challenges confronting Jewish individuals today. She noted that while parallels may exist, historical contexts are vastly different, and current antisemitism must be addressed on its own terms.
As a part of his recommendations, Kaploun urged Canada to adopt strategies similar to those used in the U.S., such as implementing terrorism listings and visa revocations for individuals or entities that propagate hate. He specifically criticized Canadian universities for failing to protect Jewish students from anti-Semitic rhetoric and actions occurring in academic settings.
Discussing the role of online platforms in disseminating antisemitic content, Kaploun praised measures taken by X (formerly Twitter) under Elon Musk’s leadership, claiming a decrease in antisemitic postings. However, he acknowledged broader concerns regarding the platform’s overall handling of hate speech.
Kaploun also voiced criticism towards the Canadian government’s decision to abolish the special envoy position on antisemitism, suggesting that this decision undermines Canada's commitment to addressing Jewish community concerns effectively. He expressed discontent with the newly formed inclusion council, asserting that its members might possess biases detrimental to the Jewish community.
In response, the Carney administration defended its approach, highlighting that the council's mandate includes addressing antisemitism while ensuring social cohesion. The government aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect Jewish Canadians and improve data collection related to hate incidents.
Overall, the situation underscores the rising concerns about antisemitism in Canada, with calls for more robust governmental action and a dedicated focus on the safety and well-being of the Jewish community.
