Rising antisemitism in Canada has led some Jews to consider leaving the country, with some US politicians, including President Donald Trump, suggesting they could be offered refugee status. Sari Watson, a 39-year-old Jewish woman from Quinte West, Ontario, said she was too afraid to attend Yom Kippur services at her childhood synagogue due to concerns about her safety. A gunman had charged at the synagogue, leading to a shootout that left the gunman dead and a policeman hospitalized.
The idea of extending refugee status to Canadian Jews has been floated by US politicians, including Florida Senator Rick Scott and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. While some Canadian Jews see this as a lifeline, others are hesitant to leave their home country. Watson said she has mixed emotions about the thought of leaving Canada, wanting to stay and fight for her safety. The Trump administration has imposed restrictions on immigration, but is inviting white South African and potentially Canadian Jews to apply for refugee status.
Some Canadian Jews have already taken steps to leave the country or prepare for the possibility. Neil Herland, a newsreader for the CBC, recently acquired an Austrian passport as a safety precaution due to rising antisemitism in Canada. Herland's post on social media about his experience with pro-Palestinian protesters sparked controversy, leading to his suspension from the CBC. Independent Press Gallery, a press freedom advocacy group, condemned the CBC's decision.
Sheldon Shagal, a 64-year-old property manager from Calgary, is currently researching how to move to the United States. He said he has seen increased antisemitism in Canada, particularly in the wake of the Hamas raid in Israel on October 7. Shagal believes that Canada is no longer a safe place for him and his wife, and they are struggling to overcome the complexity of acquiring an American visa.
According to B'nai Brith Canada, there has been a 9.3% increase in antisemitic incidents in Canada from 2024 to 2025. Online harassment has surged dramatically, with Ontario seeing the greatest total number of antisemitic incidents. Antisemitic attacks have proliferated, including shootings at synagogues and attacks on Jewish community members.
Immigration lawyer Lauren Cohen, based in Boca Raton, Florida, said that since October 7, about half of her Canadian clients cite antisemitism as a primary reason for wanting to leave Canada for the United States. Cohen founded the Jewish Community Collective, an organization that helps Jewish Canadians find connection in America. Another option for Jewish Canadians is Lech L'Tulsa, a program co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa that helps settle Jewish newcomers.
Not all Canadian Jews see the US as a better option, however. Lawrence Stanleigh, a dentist in Calgary, said he would not consider moving to the States due to Canada's more expansive social safety net. Stanleigh believes that the US is not a safer haven for Canadian Jews, citing the lack of a public healthcare system and other factors. Anthony Housefather, a Jewish Canadian Member of Parliament, is also skeptical of the notion that the US would offer Jews better protection.
Key points
- Some Canadian Jews are considering US refugee status due to rising antisemitism
- The Trump administration has invited white South African and potentially Canadian Jews to apply for refugee status
- Not all Canadian Jews see the US as a better option, citing Canada's social safety net and other factors
