Quebec MP Anthony Housefather, along with 31 fellow Liberal MPs, recently issued a statement addressing the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada. This statement serves as a crucial acknowledgment of the threats facing Jewish Canadians, including a recent stabbing of a Jewish woman in Ottawa and attacks on synagogues, schools, and Jewish-owned businesses. The MPs highlighted that the Jewish community, which makes up only one percent of Canada’s population, is the target of 70 percent of hate crimes.

Despite the significance of this statement, the response from the Liberal caucus was notably muted. Out of 169 Liberal MPs, only 31 signed the statement, with at least five being Jewish. This means that just 26 non-Jewish Liberal MPs supported a condemnation of antisemitism that did not align with any political agenda. Approximately 80 percent of the governing caucus chose not to sign, raising concerns about the lack of moral courage within the government.

Historically, Canada has seen political leaders fail to stand up for minorities during crises, only to issue apologies years later. Past examples include the government's formal apologies for the residential school system, the internment of Japanese-Canadians, and the mistreatment of LGBTQ citizens. This pattern suggests a troubling trend where the protection of minorities is often contingent on political convenience rather than steadfast moral principles.

Housefather’s statement called for action from law enforcement, schools, and institutions, emphasizing that the government itself is not a bystander in this crisis. However, 137 of his colleagues did not respond to this call, signaling to antisemites that condemnation of their actions is not unanimous or resolute.

Looking ahead, there are hopes that Parliament will introduce and pass comprehensive hate crime legislation that addresses the challenges posed by social media and extremist networks. However, concerns remain about the government's overall response to antisemitism, especially in light of its foreign policy decisions, which some perceive as favoring Hamas and recognizing a Palestinian state that does not currently exist.

The situation raises questions about whether the government is prioritizing shifting demographics over moral clarity, potentially failing the most vulnerable populations. Housefather’s letter, while commendable, would have had a stronger impact if it had garnered broader support from more Liberal MPs and members of other parties, sending a unified message against antisemitism.