In recent years, Canada’s Jewish community has changed profoundly. A country long regarded as one of the safest and most comfortable places for Jewish life in the Western world is now facing a significant rise in antisemitism, threats, and violence against Jews and Jewish institutions.
The numbers are stark. In 2025, 788 hate crimes targeting Jews were reported to police across Canada. Jews accounted for approximately 71 percent of all police reported hate crimes motivated by religion.
These figures reflect a growing sense of insecurity in everyday Jewish life. During the most recent Rosh Hashanah, mezuzahs were torn from the doors of Jewish students’ rooms at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario. Days later, an armed man arrived at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville while worshippers were inside on Yom Kippur. A police officer protecting the synagogue was seriously wounded.
Jewish schools and institutions have also been targeted by gunfire, arson attempts have taken place, and Jewish students have reported growing concern about openly expressing their Jewish identity and their connection to Israel.
Jewish federations and community organizations have responded by expanding security, raising funds, working closely with police and government authorities, and supporting Jewish students and institutions.
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and Federation CJA in Montreal have significantly strengthened community security, training, and coordination with law enforcement.
Should Canadian Jews consider Aliyah?
These efforts are essential. The current reality also raises a broader leadership question.
Has the time come for the leaders of Jewish federations and organizations in Canada to place a serious and practical discussion about Aliyah on their agenda?
Federation leaders are responsible for building strong Jewish communities. They invest in schools, synagogues, welfare, culture, Jewish identity, and the next generation. Their work is measured in the strength, continuity and resilience of the local community. Jewish leadership also carries responsibility for the individual Jew and for the choices available to every Jewish family.
At a time when families are asking new questions about security, identity, their children’s future and their connection to Israel, Aliyah deserves a clear and respected place in the communal conversation.
That conversation should be practical. It should address employment, education, housing, professional recognition, Hebrew, community integration and the needs of young adults, families and older people.
A person considering Aliyah should be able to get reliable information, understand the available options, and seriously examine the possibility before making any decision.
This is precisely the role Ofek Israeli was created to play.
Encouraging Aliyah from around the world
Ofek Israeli was established by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the World Zionist Organization and operates under the leadership of Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration as part of the national initiative to encourage Aliyah from around the world.
Its role is to help turn interest in Aliyah into a practical and informed option through information, connections, guidance, and support.
This coming November, I will travel to Canada in my capacity as Chairman of Ofek Israeli, together with the company’s CEO, Aryeh Abitbol.
We will visit Montreal and Toronto and meet with leaders of Jewish federations and organizations, students and young adults, older members of the community, Israelis living in Canada, and Jews who were born and raised there.
We want to hear how they see the current reality, what concerns them, and what they expect from their community leadership and from the State of Israel.
We also intend to open a direct discussion with Jewish leaders about Aliyah.
Our message to them will be clear: put Aliyah on the agenda.
Talk about it in synagogues, at conferences, on university campuses, and in community institutions. Give families information and practical tools. Connect those who are interested with the relevant institutions in Israel.
Strengthening Jewish life in Canada remains a vital mission. Encouraging Aliyah should also become part of the Jewish and Zionist responsibility of community leadership.
The reality has changed. The conversation should change with it.
Aliyah should be a real, openly discussed, and accessible option for every Canadian Jew considering the future.
The writer is Chairman of Ofek Israeli.