In the Face of Antisemitism, Neutrality Is a Sin

Key Findings:

This essay by Canada's 18th prime minister delves into his personal and political involvement in combatting antisemitism and supporting Israel throughout his career, as well as his deep admiration for the Jewish community's resilience and contributions to Canadian society.

The governmental duty to safeguard citizens is highlighted. Canada's historical indifference towards Jewish immigrants during World War II, with a focus on Prime Minister Mackenzie King's discriminatory views, is discussed. The repercussions of his neglect teach on the extremely damaging consequences of political apathy in the face of bigotry.

The author recounts specific incidents, such as challenging racist remarks during a Quebec Economic Summit in 1976 and taking a stand against the Pierre Trudeau government's decision to invite the Palestine Liberation Organization's representative to Parliament in 1984. As Prime Minister in 1985, the author initiated the Deschênes Commission of Inquiry on Nazi War Criminals who had escaped to Canada, affirming that Canada wouldn't harbor individuals promoting hatred.

His tenure involved significant appointments of Jewish individuals to prominent positions in the government, including ambassadorships and cabinet roles, breaking stereotypes about dual loyalties. Emphasis was placed on supporting Israel's security and well-being, evident through participation in the Gulf War in 1991 for the sake of regional stability and Israel's security.

Hitler's enduring call for “the struggle against the Jews, the eternal poisoners of the world” parallels contemporary horrors against the Jewish community in the wake of the October 7 massacre by Hamas and the following Operation Swords of Iron. In real time, the world is witnessing an extremely unjust targeting of Israel, given that Hamas knew full well the reaction its murderous rampage against innocents would provoke. They knew and didn’t care. Indeed, it is the reaction they sought. They chose to put the lives of the 2 million people of Gaza they claim to defend in mortal danger in a deliberate, nihilistic attempt to set the Middle East on fire. 

But why would they do this? It was not to increase the likelihood of a Palestinian state. It was not to improve the lives of the people of Gaza. So why? Because these are terrorists in the purest sense of the word for whom the senseless violent act satisfies the strategic objective — killing Jews. 

Hamas knew something else. They knew they could count on a legion of apologists who, while decrying attacks on Jews here at home, are prepared to accept attacks on Jews in Israel. Some of the most depraved believe that Israelis deserved the attacks. Contemporary antisemitism has added the state of Israel to its list of targets. Israel has become the new Jew. Stripped of its intellectual pretensions, of the cloak of human rights, these ritual denunciations of Israel with which we have become all too familiar are a pernicious form of racism. 

Faith and hope in the ongoing fight against antisemitism is framed it as a collective responsibility for all Canadians.