The recent passing of Iran’s long-ruling leader doesn't signal a lessening of danger for Canadians, according to warnings issued this week. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) asserts that the threat posed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains potent and deeply concerning.
For decades, this regime has been accused of widespread terror, extending its reach beyond its borders to target Israelis, citizens of Gulf nations, and even its own people. Disturbingly, this alleged intimidation and violence have reportedly extended to Canadian soil, with Iranian-Canadians facing threats and a former Canadian justice minister once being the target of a plotted assassination.
CIJA is urgently calling on Canadians to demand action from their elected officials. The organization advocates for increased efforts to curtail the activities of IRGC agents within Canada and to prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for individuals linked to the organization.
A recent shooting at a Richmond Hill gym owned by Salar Gholami, a prominent Iranian-Canadian pro-democracy activist and boxing champion, has heightened these concerns. Over seventy rounds were fired at the gym just hours after the announcement of the leader’s death, prompting a police investigation into potential political motivations or transnational connections.
The alleged plot to assassinate former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler in 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the regime’s alleged willingness to engage in violence even within Canada’s borders. This incident underscores the seriousness of the threat and the need for robust security measures.
Beyond Canada, Iran’s alleged aggression has manifested in other disturbing ways. The downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 in 2020, which claimed the lives of 176 people including 55 Canadians, remains a deeply felt tragedy. Similarly, a series of antisemitic arson attacks in Australia led to the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador.
Canada officially designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity in June of this year, a move welcomed by CIJA. However, the organization believes further action is necessary to address the ongoing threat. Reports estimate approximately 700 IRGC agents are currently present in Canada.
Iran is widely considered a major state sponsor of terrorism, providing significant financial support to groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Accusations also suggest the regime has funnelled funds to extremist groups within Canada, raising concerns about domestic security.
Despite the tensions, CIJA highlights a shared interest between Canada’s Jewish and Iranian communities – a desire for regime change, demonstrated through peaceful rallies. This stands in contrast to the organization’s description of frequent intimidation tactics employed by pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel activists within Canada.
The core message is clear: no one in Canada should live in fear of the Iranian regime. CIJA emphasizes the fundamental duty of the government and law enforcement agencies to neutralize this threat and hold the regime accountable for its alleged actions.
