Amid Israel-Hamas conflict, Justin Trudeau said, ‘The rise of anti-Semitism in Canada is very scary’ – Gudstory

Speaking at a conference on fighting anti-Semitism, the Canadian PM said, “Since this conflict began, there has been a very scary increase in anti-Semitism here at home.” As quoted, he said, even before the ongoing conflict, there had been a “steady increase” in anti-Semitism. reuters,

At the conference, Trudeau also listed reports of a possible hate crime at a Jewish high school in Toronto last week, fear among some people going to synagogues because of the possibility of an attack and heightened online rhetoric as examples of rising anti-Semitism in Canada. Listed as. ,

What is anti-Semitism?

According to the U.S. State Department, “Anti-Semitism is a definite belief about Jews, which can be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish persons and/or their property, Jewish community institutions, and religious facilities.” According to the Holocaust Encyclopedia, the term was developed in the nineteenth century, however, Prejudice against Jews and Judeophobia (fear of Jews) has existed for a very long time and is caused by many different things.

Speaking in Canada, three men were reportedly arrested on Thursday after making threats at the Community Hebrew Academy, according to police in Toronto. In addition to Muslim mosques and other houses of worship, police have increased patrols at Jewish cultural centers, synagogues and other places of worship.

The Canadian Prime Minister has also condemned Hamas and said he supports Israel’s right to self-defence, drawing a strong line between Hamas and pro-Palestinian voices.

Trudeau said, “Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, nor their legitimate aspirations. They do not speak for the Muslim or Arab communities, and they do not represent a better future for Palestinians or their children. ” reuters,

On October 7, Hamas attacks on southern Israeli communities killed 1,300 people and took about 200 hostages in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Since then, Israel has bombed Gaza where health officials said at least 3,000 people have been killed. An attack on a hospital on Tuesday killed 500 Palestinians, with Israeli and Palestinian officials blaming each other.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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Updated: October 18, 2023, 07:57 am IST