Amidst reports of a global rise of over 30% in antisemitic incidents in 2012, with France showing an unprecedented increase of 58%, the Audit of Antisemitic Incidents released by the League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith Canada, is announcing an increase of just 3.7%, from 1,297 in 2011 to 1,345 cases in 2012. However, analysis of regional differences in Canada highlights some anomalies: the average increase for the three most western provinces combined was 25%, while in Regional Quebec (outside Montreal) there was close to a four-fold increase.
“We are particularly concerned,” stated Frank Dimant, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, “about this year’s findings of increased participation in these incidents by perpetrators self-identifying as Muslims who are apparently supportive of Islamist ideologies of hate and violence. But we are encouraged by the many Muslims with whom we work closely, who are prepared to expose antisemitism in their community.”
“The Audit shows an overall decrease in vandalism and violence, but an increase of 10.6% in incidents of harassment. Jews were targeted in their homes and at their workplaces, on their way to synagogue or returning from school. The language has moved from ‘Fxxk the Jews’ to Kills the Jews’, with Holocaust Denial cases soaring by 77%, and threats becoming more ugly, explicit and open. The League is also warning that youth culture is being infiltrated by the lyrics of hate, extremism from abroad through online propaganda, and cyberbullying directed to a victim’s smartphone.”
“The Audit has set out an Action Plan to counter hate, but it will only achieve its goals if all sectors of Canadian society work together whenever and wherever expressions of hate are brought to light.”
