Jewish leaders across Canada are urging politicians to stop exploiting antisemitism for political advantage. The call comes after Deborah Lyons, Canada’s outgoing envoy on Holocaust remembrance and antisemitism, criticized parties for using the issue as a “partisan prop.”
Calls for Respect in Commemoration
Lyons’ final report argued that Holocaust Remembrance Day has become politicized. She warned that using antisemitism to score political points dishonours victims and undermines the fight against hate.
Jewish organizations echoed her concerns. Richard Robertson of B’nai Brith said linking Holocaust ceremonies to political agendas feels like “tokenization.”
Divisions Among Political Parties
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) accused the NDP of weakening its stance on antisemitism through calls for Palestinian statehood without stronger safeguards for Canadian Jews. Robertson added that both Liberals and Conservatives have politicized remembrance ceremonies, either by boasting of funding or attacking rivals over hate crimes.
Broader Concerns
Advocates say such rhetoric fuels antisemitism and risks alienating Jewish Canadians at a time when hate crimes are rising. A 2024 Leger poll found nearly 1 in 5 young Canadians believe the Holocaust was exaggerated, underscoring the need for unity and education.
Need for Responsible Leadership
Community leaders stressed that politicians can still express solidarity, but without turning remembrance events into partisan platforms.
“If our rights are being threatened, every Canadian’s rights are being threatened,” said Noah Shack of CIJA.
Advocates urged leaders to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Jewish Canadians, focusing on combating hate rather than politicizing it.
