Feds will fight `alarming' rise in hate crimes: PM
Government holds summit on anti-semitism
OTTAWA • The federal government will continue rejecting and fighting anti-semitism in all its forms as hate-motivated crimes against the Jewish community rise in Canada and around the world, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday.
Speaking to a national anti-semitism summit hosted by the federal government, Trudeau said the spike in hate crimes is troubling and alarming.
“Anti-semitism isn't a problem for the Jewish community to solve alone, it's up to everyone to take on this challenge,” he said.
Trudeau's government announced Wednesday that 150 projects representing over $6 million in funding have been recommended for development under a program to support communities that face the risks of hate crimes.
“This is the largest investment for a given year in the history of the program, and it will enhance the security of many synagogues, Jewish schools and community institutions,” Trudeau said.
He said the implications of the recent Israeli-palestinian conflict resonated around the world with an unacceptable rise in anti-semitism.
“We remain committed to supporting progress towards a two-state solution. We continue to oppose unilateral actions that jeopardize the prospects for peace,” he said.
“We will stand firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace and security, and with their human rights respected.”
Trudeau added: “Canada stands firm in its support for Israel's right to live in peace with its neighbours within secure boundaries, and for Israel's right to defend itself.”
Diversity Minister Bardish Chagger said the summit will allow community members to speak directly with politicians in an environment that ensures their safety.
The federal government will also hold a summit on Islamophobia on Thursday.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said discussing the rise of hate crimes in a national summit is important but is not enough to address the issue.
“There are a number of solutions that we have known about for years, and, sadly, Mr. Trudeau has not responded, has not taken action,” he said.
Irwin Cotler, Canada's special envoy for preserving Holocaust remembrance and combating anti-semitism, said in an interview Tuesday that Jews are being targeted and threatened in their neighbourhoods. Synagogues, memorials and institutions have also been attacked and vandalized.
B'nai Brith Canada, a Jewish human rights organization, says it recorded 2,610 anti-semitic incidents last year, which was the fifth consecutive record-setting year for anti-semitism in Canada.