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Jon Love: Antisemtism is a rapidly growing cancer in Canada that must be challenged

Rising antisemitic violence demands more than words — every Canadian has a duty to stand up and protect our shared values

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All Canadians regardless of their ethnic background, religious beliefs, or other points of difference, deserve the same rights, freedoms and protections under our law.

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This is a big idea, and virtually unique in the globe — it is what defines Canada, my Canada. I am not talking about what goes on beyond our borders, but inside our country, between us. In my Canada, all Canadians, regardless of their differences, deserve the same respect, tolerance and acceptance.

Jon Love: Antisemtism is a rapidly growing cancer in Canada that must be challenged Back to video

Canada thrives on diversity, and we are by far the most diverse country in the world. This country has been built by welcoming newcomers from all corners of our planet. Our strength has been to appreciate, or at least accommodate, this diversity, using it as an asset to build our businesses, institutions, communities and our country.

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The recent and rapid rise in antisemitism has challenged this view, as all we see is one group, our Jewish friends and neighbours, under siege being met with a tepid and inadequate response. Sabotage of Jewish businesses, vandalism of synagogues and other religious symbols are becoming frighteningly common. Political leaders’ condemnations have often been slow and without supporting action.

All Canadians have a role in condemning antisemitism, as this cannot be delegated solely to political leaders. It is business, community and family leaders who all must speak out before the cancer of antisemitism takes hold. If we tolerate hate and abuse to one group, does that expand to other groups, tearing the Canadian consensus apart?

In 1969, then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau declared “There’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” It was a pivotal moment, with lasting impact on women’s reproductive freedom, sexual and gender rights, and other social issues that have made Canada a safe and welcoming home for those with differing personal views.

Canada is a country of immigrants, those other than First Nations, and while there has been a past history of racism and religious persecution, as you will find in every corner of the globe, I had thought that over the past 50 years Canada had made huge strides, seeking to welcome and accept our diverse society.

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Then came October 7, a date etched in most minds, and attacks were unleashed on Jewish Canadians for actions halfway around the world. This is not my Canada. Everyone can have their own view of events in the Middle East, but regardless of your views, they can never be an excuse for Canadians to attack Canadians; to attack our Canadian Jewish friends and neighbours.

While the historical causes of domestic antisemitism are complicated, the solutions are simpler and more straightforward. We all need to lend our voices. We must ask ourselves, “do we believe all Canadians should have the same rights, freedoms and protection under our laws?”

The answer to this question must be affirmative, otherwise we risk the devolution of our society into competing cabals, further fracturing a country so in need of national unity.

So, this is a call to action. Every one of us has to stand up for what is right, which is to welcome, or at least accept, personal differences and live together as Canadians, without importing the foreign conflicts of our ancestors.

Start now, share this call to action with your family and community, at meals, on social media, or perhaps even author an article for a newspaper.

Jon Love is executive chair and founder of KingSett Capital.

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