Anti-Semitism in Manitoba

A lot of focus has happened with Prime Minister Mark Carney speech on anti-Semitism in Toronto. It is notable that the government felt it necessary, even essential to indicate that the people of Canada need to do everything to combat anti-Semitism. Depending on who you talked to after, it was a very productive speech or it was an utter failure. Those that say Carney anti Semite or heads an anti Semite government and nothing will be better till the right party is in place should be taken with a grain of salt.

The latter opinion comes from the American owned National Post that runs more opinion pieces on anti-Semitism than the Jerusalem Post. That isn't an exaggeration. The newspaper seems to run pieces on the federal government and anti-Semitism every day. The Conservative titled newspaper is outrageously focused on the Liberal party and often ignores provincial and municipal issues, including hate crimes that fall as much on other levels of government than the Feds.

To that end, let's focus on the hate crime report from the Winnipeg Police Service for 2025. One interesting note: This story was published in the Jerusalem Post as well. The report stated that hate crimes have gone up 154% since 2019. In 2025 there were 112 incidents versus 44 incidents there year before. Race and ethnicity accounted for 49 incidents with black people accounting for 13 reports.

In terms of religious hate crime. there were 37 incidents with 32 incidents that were against Jewish people. Some critics say there are so many unreported claims. This may well be true but government and police can only do much when incidents are not reported. All we can do is encourage people to report and to try to ensure their safety. If people fear to report because because they will be killed, the police have to investigate deeper. If swastikas are all over the place, it might be important to figure out if you have a cowed population living in fear.

To be fair, despite Winnipeg's large increase in hate crime since 2019, it doesn't even come close to other provinces in total numbers or per capita. One incident is too many but we are in no way close to other places in the country. Still, we need to dig down at Jewish hate here. There has always been an undercurrent in the far left and far right. For some on the left is not accepting Israel's existence and that Jewish people are to blame wherever they are.  For some on the right, it is that Jewish people are part of world cabal that plans to take over the world and control things.

Zionism is the crux here for many. Most Jewish people who live in Canada are not citizens of Israel, can vote in Israel or are even involved in day to day things that happen in Israel. What the majority of Jewish people do support is the right of Israel to exist. Supporters of Hamas and Hezbollah cheering the murder and rape of Israelis on the streets of Canada is both hatred and terrorism. It should be dealt with.

Israel has a right to exist and those who push a "river to the sea" are preaching death to Jews. Driving Jews into the sea basically shows all that some people care about is killing. And if you are in Winnipeg and gather at Kenaston and Grant just to harass Jewish people at a synagogue with death threats, you are preaching hatred. Trying to appoint collective guilt to Jewish people living in Canada about Israel by protesting outside their places of worship, business and homes is not freedom of speech. 

In 1982, the Israel occupation in Lebanon was the last time we saw such a rise of anti-Semitism in Canada. We are kind of back in that time again. If Canadians wish to protest, which is their right, they can do embassies, consulates, various government offices and the like. The moment you go to someone's home, place of worship or business should be dealt with every time. Harassment online doesn't get a free pass either.

Israel is a democracy. They do change their policies and have exchanged land for peace. The Sinai Peninsula is evidence of that. If a Winnipegger wants to lobby for that, do so. But advocating for death should earn you a time in court. This applies to all hate crimes. Criticizing Israel's government policy on Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon is fair game. Even Trump does that. Spray painting a synagogue is not.

In terms of what Carney can do, there have been legislative changes to help police track and make arrests like those for anti-Semitism. However, even Conservatives are wary of such warrantless searches. I guess it depends on whose ox you gore. Still, the federal government needs to show zero tolerance for hate violence and work to prevent that.

As for those who disagree with Israeli actions, do to the Legislature or City Hall. Push for sanctions or divestment. Go to constituency offices and protest. Those are your rights. Protest at universities. But cross the line with violence, harassment of worship places or business and pay the price. Threaten hate and violence online and prepare for legal consequences. No more free rides for bad behaviour.

For those Winnipeggers who socially engage without nonsense, good on you. Report stuff when you see it. Let's not have this end up with terrorism and gunfire. We're better than that.