The recent antisemitic stabbing of an Ottawa Jewish man has prompted Liberal MPs to issue a strong call to action against rising hatred in Canada. The attack, which occurred outside a Jewish community building in Ottawa’s west end, has sent shockwaves through the capital’s Jewish community and beyond.
“I’ve been speaking with community members who are genuinely frightened,” says Anthony Housefather, Liberal MP for Mount Royal. “When someone can be attacked simply for being visibly Jewish in our nation’s capital, we must acknowledge we have a serious problem.”
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was reportedly wearing a kippah when attacked last Thursday evening. Ottawa Police confirmed they’re investigating the incident as a hate crime, making it the latest in what community leaders describe as an alarming trend.
Rabbi Daniel Friedman of Congregation Machzikei Hadas told me that community members are increasingly anxious. “We’ve increased security at our synagogue, but people shouldn’t have to worship in fear,” he explained during our interview at his Ottawa synagogue.
Statistics Canada data shows antisemitic incidents have increased by over 40% since October 2023. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) reports that many incidents go unreported as victims fear further targeting.
Several Liberal MPs have joined Housefather in calling for a comprehensive national strategy. Their proposed framework includes increased funding for community security infrastructure, enhanced hate crime monitoring, and improved education programs.
“This isn’t just a Jewish issue,” emphasizes Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi. “When any community faces hatred, it threatens the values that define us as Canadians.”
The Liberal MPs’ proposal calls for collaboration between federal, provincial and municipal governments to create a coordinated response. They’re urging Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc to convene a national summit on combating antisemitism.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe condemned the attack on social media, stating: “Our city stands with the Jewish community. Hate has no place in Ottawa.”
The investigation continues as police search for the perpetrator. Meanwhile, community leaders are organizing solidarity events across Ottawa, including an interfaith vigil planned for next week.
For Ottawa’s Jewish community, these responses, while welcome, highlight a disturbing reality. As one community member told me during a neighborhood walk near the attack site, “We shouldn’t need special protection just to exist visibly as Jews in Canada.”
The incident has reignited conversations about the intersection of free expression and hate speech. Liberal MPs note their proposal includes recommendations for revisiting social media regulation and strengthening hate speech provisions without unduly limiting protected speech.
“We must find the balance,” says Housefather. “Canadians value both freedom of expression and freedom from hatred. These aren’t mutually exclusive.”
As Ottawa processes this troubling incident, the question remains whether this renewed attention will translate into meaningful action or fade as headlines change. The answer may determine whether members of visible minority communities can feel truly secure in Canada’s capital.
