I have lived in Canada most of my life and always experienced it as a country devoted to peace and inclusion. No longer. Antisemitism is surging, radical ideologies are taking root, and our leaders are failing to respond with the urgency this crisis demands.

When did Canada turn away from its Jewish communities who have been here since the 19th century? My own late father and his family fled Soviet Russia and found harbor in Winnipeg. My late great grandfather Rabbi Berner was a renowned spiritual leader in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. We and millions of other Jews have made meaningful and valuable contributions to Canadian life.

I know in my heart that most Canadian Muslims are peaceful, good people. Their kindness is not being seen nor heard. Radicalized factions are drowning out their voices as they hijack both the discourse and direction of activism—especially when it comes to Israel and Jewish communities. Violent protests in Toronto and Montreal promote hatred, targeting Israel’s very right to exist and fanning the flames of extremism under the guise of “resistance.” Many of my fellow Jews are asking themselves if they want to remain here when even our own provincial and federal governments have taken no steps to protect us.

The question all Canadians must ask is how did we get here? Canadian journalist Barbara Kay and I discussed the current crisis. From her perspective and mine, DEI programs initially created to promote........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)