Canada’s reputation for tolerance is under strain as hate crimes against religious groups climb. Statistics Canada’s 2023 report shows a sharp increase in offences targeting Jews and Christians. This overview uses government data and recent news reports to look at the growing numbers, the effects on communities, and the bigger picture.
Hate Crimes Against Jews: Numbers Rising Fast
Statistics Canada counted 900 hate crimes against Jews in 2023, almost triple the 306 cases from 2019. Though Jews make up only 1.4% of the country’s population, they are the victims in 70% of religious hate cases. This uneven targeting signals a surge in antisemitism. Attacks include shootings at Jewish schools and fires set at synagogues.
Toronto, which has a large Jewish population, saw antisemitic hate crimes rise by 69% in 2023. In one high-profile case, Amir Arvahi Azar faced 29 charges, including promoting genocide against Jews. Over eight months, he targeted five synagogues and a community centre, stirring fear across the city. Events like these highlight how serious the problem has become.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Toronto pointed out that the number of antisemitic incidents went up 670% after October 7, 2023, following the start of the Israel-Hamas war. That conflict has added fuel to local tensions, pushing hate crime numbers even higher.
Hate Crimes Against Christians: A Worrying Trend
Jews are the most targeted group, but Christians are facing more attacks, too. In 2021, Statistics Canada recorded 155 hate crimes against Catholics—a 260% jump from the year before. While statistics for 2023 are less detailed, reports show the targeting continues. Churches have been vandalised, and Christian groups have faced threats and harassment.
In 2023, churches across the country were marked with hateful graffiti. Some congregations received threats that left members uneasy. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada says fear is rising in many Christian communities. While these cases are fewer than those affecting Jews, they still show a pattern of growing intolerance.
There’s little detailed data about hate crimes against Christians for 2023, but social media posts and comments from local leaders show that concern is spreading. The spike in 2021 likely reflects a trend that is still ongoing, driven by social divides and rising negativity about faith groups.
What’s Driving the Increase?
Global and local tensions are pushing hate crime numbers up. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which flared up in October 2023, has had a big impact. While many pro-Palestinian demonstrations are peaceful, some have included antisemitic chants or statements. In 2023, Statistics Canada recorded a 65% rise in public incitement of hatred, with 150 incidents counted.
Social media has made things worse. Platforms are full of antisemitic and anti-Christian comments and threats. In one well-known case, a Toronto man’s online posts led to rare charges for promoting genocide against Jews. This case shows that what starts online can lead to violence offline.
Trouble in the economy and social divisions are making things worse. Following the pandemic, Canada has seen more polarisation, with some blaming religious groups for wider problems. Statistics Canada found a 34% jump in hate-related mischief in 2023, with 1,826 cases. This points to more intolerance across the board.
Impact on Jewish and Christian Communities
The rise in hate crimes has left many Jewish and Christian Canadians feeling unsafe. Some have changed their routines or are more cautious in public—a CBC News report from 2024 described bomb threats to synagogues, adding to the sense of danger. Michael Levitt from the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre said that Jews in Toronto no longer feel safe.
Christian communities share similar worries. Vandalised churches and threatening messages add to anxiety. Yael Eckstein from IFCJ Canada called for unity, saying that attacks on one group matter to everyone. Leaders from both communities want more protection and information to help keep people safe.
The emotional toll is heavy. Many now think twice before going to services or wearing symbols of faith like crosses or kippahs. Statistics Canada reported 939 assaults linked to hate in 2023—a 20% rise. While the physical impact is clear, the emotional scars can last much longer.
Police and Government Actions
Leaders in Canada have spoken out about the problem. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned antisemitism and called for action. Toronto police have stepped up patrols in Jewish neighbourhoods and set up special hate crime units. There was a 53% increase in threats in 2023, with 684 incidents, leading to tougher policing.
The government is putting money into anti-hate programs. Justice Minister Arif Virani announced a national forum on antisemitism set for 2025. Still, some groups say more needs to be done. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has criticised court decisions that allowed suspects like Azar to go free on bail.
Despite these steps, problems remain. Few hate crime cases end in conviction, and underreporting is common. The American Jewish Committee says actual antisemitism rates may be higher than what’s reported. Christians face similar issues, making it hard to know the true scale of the problem.
Churches Burned in Canada
Since May 2021, over 100 Christian churches in Canada have been burned or vandalised, with at least 33 destroyed by fire. Of these, 24 were confirmed arson, two were accidental, and others remain under investigation.
Sources indicate 112-118 churches have been targeted, with 24-33 confirmed arsons by late 2023. Notable cases include the destruction of St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto (June 2024) and Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Allégresses in Quebec (October 2024). While some fires, like St. Anne’s, are not yet confirmed as arson, the pattern has raised concerns about targeted attacks.
Critics argue that far-left groups and rhetoric, sometimes tacitly endorsed by political figures, have encouraged these acts, pointing to statements from leaders like Justin Trudeau, who called the motives “understandable” while condemning the violence.
Canada’s Growing Muslim Population
The Muslim population in Canada has grown significantly over recent decades, driven primarily by immigration and higher birth rates. According to Statistics Canada, the proportion of Canadians identifying as Muslim more than doubled from 2.0% (579,640 people) in 2001 to 4.9% (1,775,715 people) in 2021. This growth rate outpaces that of other religious groups, making Islam the fastest-growing non-Christian religion in the country.
Over half of Canadian Muslims live in Ontario (53.1%), with significant populations in Quebec (5.1%), Alberta (4.8%), and British Columbia. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has the highest concentration at 10.2% of its population, followed by Montreal at 8.9%
While establishment narratives emphasise multiculturalism and integration, some argue that rapid demographic shifts strain social cohesion, particularly in urban centres. Posts on X reflect concerns about the pace of growth, with claims (unverified) that Muslims could become a majority in a generation if trends continue.
Recent News Stories
Several news outlets have highlighted these rising hate crimes. The National Post covered the sharp increase in antisemitic attacks in 2023 and reported on shootings at Jewish schools in Montreal.
Global News detailed the charges against Azar and the ongoing threats to synagogues in Toronto.
CBC News reported on a shooting at a Jewish girls’ school in Toronto, showing how real and immediate the threat has become.
Canadians are now facing hard questions about safety and tolerance as hate crimes against Jews and Christians continue to rise. Community leaders, police, and the public must work together to find solutions and support those affected.
