Canadian PM Mark Carney speaks out against rising antisemitism after public appeal

Carney added that Canada must remain a place where Jewish citizens can openly practice and express their identity.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for a stronger response to antisemitism on Sunday, saying the rise in anti-Jewish hatred requires both targeted government action and a public commitment to confronting antisemitism, as prominent non-Jewish leaders issued an open letter urging Canadians to denounce anti-Jewish hatred and enforce existing anti-hate laws.

In a series of posts on social media, Carney described antisemitism as a national challenge requiring a clear response.

“The crisis of antisemitism in Canada today demands a targeted response. It also demands that we all raise our voices in indignation and defiance when we are confronted with the horror of antisemitism,” he wrote.

Carney added that Canada must remain a place where Jewish citizens can openly practice and express their identity.

“Because Canada promises to allow Canadian women and men of the Jewish faith to display themselves as such visibly, without ambiguity, and with joy in public life.”

His comments followed the publication of an open letter signed by prominent Canadian business, political and education leaders who are not Jewish.

The letter, published Saturday in the *National Post* and other Postmedia newspapers, including the Montreal Gazette and Vancouver Sun, urged broader public condemnation of antisemitism and stronger enforcement of Canada’s anti-hate legislation.

“As a group of Canadian business and community leaders who are not Jewish, we ask our colleagues to join us in condemning any act of antisemitism in this country,” the letter states.

The signatories also emphasized the role of elected officials in shaping public discourse.

“Words from political leaders matter. This is not about restricting free speech,” the letter says. “No Canadian should be threatened, harassed or attacked because of their faith. In Canada, we need to treat each other equally and with respect, regardless of one’s religion, ethnicity or cultural heritage.”