Jews in Canada, it's time to talk about Aliyah
Rising antisemitism and growing insecurity have changed Jewish life in Canada. Community leaders should strengthen local institutions while also considering Aliyah.
Canada's Jewish community has undergone significant changes in recent years, marked by a surge in antisemitism, threats, and violence. In 2025, 788 hate crimes targeting Jews were reported to authorities across the nation, with Jews making up 71 percent of all hate crimes motivated by religion. This growing insecurity was evident during the most recent Rosh Hashanah, when mezuzahs were removed from the doors of Jewish student rooms at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario.
Days later, an armed man entered the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville while worshippers were present on Yom Kippur, seriously wounding a police officer guarding the synagogue. Jewish institutions, schools, and students have faced gunfire and arson attempts, leading to heightened concern about openly expressing their Jewish identity and connection to Israel.
Jewish federations and organizations have responded by bolstering security, fundraising, collaborating with law enforcement, and supporting Jewish students and institutions. As these efforts are crucial, a broader leadership question emerges: is it time for community leaders in Canada to discuss Aliyah, the Jewish term for immigration to Israel, seriously and practically?
Jewish federation leaders are responsible for nurturing strong Jewish communities, investing in schools, synagogues, welfare, culture, and Jewish identity. Their work directly impacts the strength, continuity, and resilience of the local community. They also bear responsibility for individual Jews and the choices available to every Jewish family.
Given the heightened security concerns, identity questions, children's futures, and connections to Israel, Aliyah should be a part of the communal conversation. This discussion must be practical, addressing employment, education, housing, professional recognition, Hebrew, community integration, and the needs of young adults, families, and older people.
Ofek Israeli, established by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the World Zionist Organization, plays a pivotal role in turning Aliyah interest into a practical and informed choice. With guidance, support, and information, Ofek Israeli helps individuals consider Aliyah as a realistic option. In November, the Chairman of Ofek Israeli will travel to Canada, meeting with Jewish federation and organization leaders, students, young adults, older community members, Israelis residing in Canada, and those born and raised in Israel.
The goal is to understand the current situation, address concerns, and initiate a direct conversation with Jewish leaders about Aliyah. The message will be clear: Aliyah should be a topic discussed in synagogues, conferences, university campuses, and community institutions, providing families with information and practical tools to connect interested individuals with relevant institutions in Israel.
Strengthening Jewish life in Canada is a vital mission, but encouraging Aliyah should also become part of Jewish and Zionist responsibility.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
