Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada has announced a new anti-racism council aimed at combating hate, including antisemitism, following a warning about the targeting of Jewish Canadians. However, the council’s composition has sparked backlash due to the inclusion of members with controversial views on Israel.
Controversial Appointments
Critics have raised concerns about the appointment of Omar Alghabra, a former Liberal party cabinet minister, who has faced scrutiny for his past comments and actions regarding Israel. Alghabra has been criticized for mourning former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and for his reluctance to condemn the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel. Additionally, he has previously criticized Toronto’s police chief for participating in a “Walk with Israel” event, describing it as a show of solidarity for a foreign state involved in an unresolved conflict.
Another council member, Avnish Nanda, has also drawn criticism for his role in supporting a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Alberta, which some argue created a hostile environment for Jewish students.
Rising Antisemitism
The controversy comes amid a reported increase in antisemitic incidents in Canada. B’nai Brith Canada’s League for Human Rights reported 6,800 antisemitic incidents in 2025, marking a 9.4% increase from the previous year. This rise in incidents has prompted calls for more concrete action from the government.
While B’nai Brith Canada welcomed the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of the issue, they expressed concerns about the council’s ability to effectively address the crisis. Simon Wolle, the organization’s CEO, emphasized the need for a National Emergency Task Force on Antisemitism to provide immediate action and solutions.
Community Reactions
Jewish leaders and activists have voiced their disappointment with the council’s appointments. Rabbi Zolly Claman of Montreal’s Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem Congregation expressed shock over Alghabra’s inclusion, questioning the constructive nature of such an appointment.
Canadian Jewish activist Ariella Kimmel criticized the council’s broad approach, arguing that Canada faces a specific problem of Jew-hatred rather than a general hate issue. She called for targeted measures to address the hostility towards Jewish communities, including enforcing existing laws against hate crimes.
As the debate continues, the effectiveness of the new council remains under scrutiny, with many in the Jewish community seeking more decisive actions to combat antisemitism in Canada.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
