Jewish advocacy groups in Canada are expressing alarm over the government's potential recognition of a Palestinian state. They argue that such a move could empower the terrorist group Hamas and threaten Canadian values. Prime Minister Mark Carney had announced plans to recognize Palestinian statehood during a speech at the UN General Assembly on September 27. However, an updated schedule indicates that Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will now address the assembly on September 29.

Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), highlighted a troubling trend following the government's announcement. "We’ve seen, in the wake of the government’s announcement on this, an upsurge in activities targeting Jewish communities," Shack stated. He noted incidents of vandalism at synagogues across Canada, from Victoria to Halifax, and reported assaults on Jewish Canadians in cities including Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, and Saint John. Shack described the situation as an overall escalation of tensions within the community.

The backdrop to these concerns includes a recent attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 hostages. This incident has intensified the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Statistics Canada reported a rise in police-reported hate crimes in 2023, with 70 percent of religiously motivated incidents targeting Jews. B’nai Brith Canada recorded a record high of 6,219 antisemitic incidents in 2024, the most since it began tracking such data in 1982.

Carney's intention to recognize Palestinian statehood was based on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to reforms, including President Mahmoud Abbas's promise to hold general elections in 2026 and the release of hostages. However, Abbas has not held elections since 2006 and does not control Gaza. Anand recently stated that there would not be an immediate normalization of diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority.

Shack emphasized the implications of recognizing Palestinian statehood, stating, "Hamas has stated that this recognition is one of the fruits of October 7 and have called for an escalation of resistance activities around the world." He questioned the timing of Canada's decision, given the ongoing crisis with hostages, noting that as of September, 48 hostages remain, with 20 believed to be alive.

Michael Westcott, CEO of Allies for a Strong Canada, echoed these concerns, stating that the recognition sends a troubling message to both Canada’s adversaries and supporters of Hamas. He pointed to the closure of Anand's constituency office in Oakville, Ontario, due to security concerns stemming from anti-Israel protests. "That’s what terrorism is. It is breaking the law and harassing people to affect policy changes, and that’s what they’re getting," Westcott said. He argued that the government's actions could embolden those who harass the Jewish community and undermine Canadian values.