A stark message echoed through Ottawa this week: words are no longer enough. York Centre MP Roman Baber directly challenged Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, demanding immediate action to protect Jewish communities in Toronto facing escalating threats.
The city has become a focal point for radical anti-Israel demonstrations, fueled by pro-Iranian regime sentiment. Baber’s letter accuses the minister of failing in his fundamental duty to ensure the safety of Canadian citizens, specifically those of the Jewish faith.
Baber isn’t simply requesting assurances; he’s demanding concrete steps. He calls for a ministerial directive to the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) to launch a full investigation into the recent surge of antisemitic attacks plaguing Toronto.
The demands extend beyond immediate investigations. Baber insists the RCMP target individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hamas, citing intelligence suggesting approximately 450 individuals with potential terrorist connections are currently residing in Canada.
Furthermore, he urges Anandasangaree to compel provincial and territorial attorneys and solicitors general to rigorously enforce existing Criminal Code provisions related to hate speech. Baber argues that chants of “intifada” are blatant incitements to violence, and intimidating protests constitute criminal offenses.
The situation reached a terrifying climax earlier this month with a series of synagogue shootings. On March 2nd, shots were fired at Temple Emanu-El in North York as congregants celebrated Purim. This was followed by attacks on Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto and Shaarei Shomayim Congregation within a 24-hour period.
These incidents occurred against a backdrop of hundreds of anti-Israel rallies that have erupted in Toronto since the October 7th attacks, often marching through Jewish neighborhoods and subjecting residents to harassment. Renewed strikes against Iran have only intensified the animosity.
Baber paints a grim picture, stating the threat of violence against Canadian Jews has reached “astronomical proportions.” He emphasizes that the Jewish community is past the point of accepting empty promises and requires decisive, immediate action to quell the rising tide of hatred.
He presented three specific, actionable steps to the Public Safety Minister, framing them not as suggestions, but as necessities. The urgency in his message is clear: the time for deliberation is over, and the time for protection has begun.
