'Violent Rhetoric From Extremist Actors'

"While the long-term impacts of the current crisis cannot be easily predicted, it is clear that this conflict has raised tensions within our society."

"Violent rhetoric from extremist actors has increased since the attack by Hamas and, as the conflict continues to unfold, it is possible that these events could impact certain individuals' intent to mobilize to violence." 

"Activists are receiving backlash, being labelled as antisemitic, and facing various consequences for shouting chants such as, 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' as well as calling for 'intifada'."

"As an overwhelming majority of Jews identify as Zionists and believe in the need for a Jewish state ... calls for attacks against Zionists should be seen as calls for attacks against Jews."

Eric Balsam, spokesman, Canadian Security Intelligence Service

"The 2023 statistics make it abundantly clear when there is unrest in Israel, Jewish Canadians suffer unduly."

"The levels of antisemitism were already on the rise prior to the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict."

Richard Robertson, director of research and advocacy, B'nai Brith Canada

The pro-Palestinian encampment on McGill's lower field has grown slightly in size as seen on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Photo by Allen McInnis /Montreal Gazette

"Violent rhetoric" from "extremist actors" have been identified by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service as a potential lead-up to societal violence, particularly targeting Jewish Canadians. Such violence has already occurred, with criminal acts of arson at synagogues, Jewish parochial schools and Jewish community centres, along with vandalism perpetrated on Jewish-owned businesses. Moreover, the 'pro-Palestinian' protest groups have interfered with Jews attending synagogues, shouting invectives at Canadian Jews, creating an environment of hostility leading to fear and isolation.

CSIS has issued a statement at a time when newly released documents point out discussions among the spy agency, federal Public Safety Department and Muslim and Jewish leaders have taken place relating to an increase in hate crimes in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict following the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on southern Israel, in which Hamas operatives flooded towns and villages for the singular purpose of mayhem and murder, which they themselves documented on video of the mutilation, rape and murder of Israeli girls and women, along with the slaughter of 1,200 mostly civilian Israelis.

CSIS monitors and identifies threats within and to Canada and Canadian society for the purpose of alerting government. It seems clear from the months following those exchanges by CSIS with the groups involved, that government has failed to take heed of the toxic environment emanating from Muslim-Canadians in their expressive targeting of Canadian-Jews, while at the same time heroizing Hamas and their terrorist agenda.

One released document recounts that CSIS representatives "assured all participants that they will continue to monitor threats and to look for evidence of attacks being planned", while remaining in touch with leaders from both Muslim and Jewish communities to be briefed on their concerns. CSIS Director David Vigneault had meetings personally with federal envoys appointed to 'combat antisemitism and Islamophobia'. Which is strange, given how matters have unfolded over the past seven months where Jews are under siege by Muslims in Canada.

 

Ottawa police’s hate crime unit is investigating allegations of hate speech at a pro-Palestinian rally on Parliament Hill over the weekend, where some participants were heard chanting in support of the deadly Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack in Israel.

 

In the course of these meetings, federal officials heard out concerns expressed by Muslim and Arab leaders on public rhetoric surrounding the conflict; what one attendee noted, remarking on 'silence' from the federal government on  how the Middle East situation would affect the safety of Palestinians and other Muslims living in Canada. Which amounts to typical Palestinian portrayals of themselves as perpetual victims, while in reality they are responsible for victimizing Jews by organizing these repeated protests that lionize Hamas and denigrate Israel.

The 'intifada' spoken of so religiously in these protests have association with periods of conflict intensity in the Israel-Palestine standoff, which precipitated attacks by Palestinian terrorist groups and individuals on public venues within Israel all of which which resulted in predictable murderous bloodshed. Leaders in the Jewish community point to examples of protesters that glorify the October 7 Hamas attack against southern Israeli towns and villages at demonstrations in cities across Canada.

Federal officials frequently were informed by Jewish leaders of the need for police to take effective action to put a halt to "the hateful rhetoric expressed at rallies", specifically pointing out the pejorative use of the word "Zionist". The RCMP, according to the documents was providing a "tool kit" explaining the historical background of the conflict to assist officers to "identify signs of overt and covert hate that may be seen at protests". Local police have been tasked with paying attention to Jewish-owned business, schools, synagogues and community centres.

As well, from the documents it was indicated that Public Safety Canada would be communicating with universities "to discuss the dampening of rising tensions and antisemitism on campuses". Information was being relayed to schools "on the current threat environment" linked to anti-Israel protesters joined by outside organizers placing encampments at McGill University in Montreal, University of Ottawa, University of British Columbia and University of Toronto, where school administrators claim hate would not be tolerated, warning students of punishment, running afoul of  university policy. 

 

Words, thus far, lacking action.

The protest began at U of T last week. (Paul Smith/CBC)