It was surely a distressing sign of the times in Canada.

Josh Matlow, the counsellor who represents the Toronto district of St. Paul’s in city hall, sounded an alarm in his latest newsletter.

His informative monthly bulletin usually deals with local community topics ranging from design in public spaces to ravine protection. But in this instance, he turned his attention to a completely different and urgent issue – antisemitism.

To the best of my knowledge, it was the first time he had addressed this subject.

“The rise in antisemitic acts of harassment, intimidation and violence continues to be unacceptable and alarming,” he wrote in the opening paragraph of his brief essay, “Taking Action On Antisemitism.”

Saying he has been working closely with Jewish organizations “to strengthen the safety of their institutions,” he disclosed that the city will install protective barriers in front of the Chabad daycare and school on Bathurst Street to guard against “hostile vehicles.”

Matlow’s disclosure hit home because I live only one kilometer away from the Chabad building, which is in the center of Toronto, Canada’s biggest city. With a population of about 200,000 Jews, Toronto is home to nearly 50 percent of Jewish Canadians. At present,........

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