A recent attack on a synagogue in Manchester, England, has reignited concerns about rising antisemitism in both the U.K. and Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the incident, labeling it an "appalling antisemitic atrocity." The attack occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, resulting in two fatalities and four injuries. Authorities reported that the assailant was prevented from entering the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue by security staff and was subsequently shot dead by police. The police have classified the incident as an act of terrorism.

This attack follows a troubling trend of increasing antisemitism in England and Wales, highlighted by a recent report detailing how anti-Jewish discrimination has permeated various sectors, including healthcare, education, and law enforcement. In Canada, antisemitic incidents have also surged since the violence that erupted on October 7, 2023. A report from B’nai Brith Canada documented numerous attacks, including an arson at Congregation Beth Tikvah in Montreal and multiple shootings at a Jewish girls' school in Toronto. Other incidents included an ISIS-inspired plot to murder Jews in the Greater Toronto Area and attempts to set fire to synagogues in Vancouver.

B’nai Brith's report indicated that antisemitism in Canada has reached unprecedented levels, with 6,219 reported incidents in 2024 alone. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs noted that Jews in Canada are 25 times more likely to be victims of hate crimes compared to other groups. They emphasized that these statistics do not fully capture the daily experiences of Jewish Canadians, who often face safety concerns when attending religious services or sending their children to school.

Despite the alarming rise in antisemitism, political leaders in Canada, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Carney, have been criticized for their responses. Trudeau has often framed the issue of hate as a broader societal problem, stating that hatred against various groups is on the rise. Carney echoed this sentiment, calling for a confrontation of hate in all its forms. Critics argue that this approach fails to address the specific threat of antisemitism.

In response to the growing crisis, the Canadian government introduced the Combatting Hate Act, aimed at addressing antisemitism and protecting religious sites. However, the legislation has faced scrutiny for its vague definitions of hate and has been described by some as merely a gesture without substantial impact.

Advocates are calling for a more focused approach to combat antisemitism, urging politicians at all levels to explicitly name and confront this form of hatred. They argue that a national dialogue is necessary to address the pervasive antisemitism that has become normalized in society. The need for clear recognition and action against Jew hatred is more pressing than ever, especially in light of recent violent incidents.