Canada, for all its many redeeming features, is a broken country.Not because of its political dysfunction or ballooning national debt — it’s worse than that. Canada is failing because it has turned a blind eye to the plight of Jewish Canadians and the alarming rise of antisemitism.Since October 7, 2023 — when Hamas terrorists carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust — Canada has descended into an unrecognizable and chaotic place for its Jewish population..Body of Canadian hostage taken from Israel kibbutz by Hamas finally recovered.Terrorist sympathizers now march in our streets almost daily, chanting for the death of Jews. Jewish-owned businesses, schools, synagogues and neighbourhoods are harassed, threatened, or outright attacked.Those behind these hateful acts routinely appear to violate Canada’s anti-hate laws — yet law enforcement and government officials often look the other way..Still, amidst the gathering darkness, there are lights if you look for them.One of the brightest is Dahlia Kurtz.For those unfamiliar with her work, Kurtz is an award-winning Canadian radio host, columnist, investigative journalist and speaker. She is also the author of Dear Zionist, You Are Not Alone: 18 Letters of Hope and Light. After October 7, Dahlia left her professional work to dedicate herself full-time to defending Jews, Israel, and Western values.I reached out to Dahlia to help Western Standard readers better understand the challenges facing Canada’s Jewish population. She graciously agreed to share her thoughts.Q: 'Antisemitism has always existed in Canada. But what we’re seeing now seems unprecedented. What, in your view, is driving this surge in hate?'Kurtz: 'The fault lines of Jew-hate have always existed in Canada. Think back to the Nazi era — Canada accepted only 5,000 Jewish refugees from 1933 to 1948. The unofficial policy was summed up as: “None is too many.”While Canada has disgraced itself before, it has utterly disgraced itself over the past 20 months. We have laws to prosecute hate, glorification of terror, and incitement — laws we are watching be openly violated on our streets, in our classrooms, and in our institutions. The problem isn’t just inaction. It’s that the inaction amounts to approval.'.Q: 'Here on the Prairies, we haven’t seen the same kind of mass demonstrations or targeted attacks. Why do you think that is?'Kurtz: 'It’s a numbers game. And it’s also much colder — people stay inside more, so it’s less visible. But Winnipeg has seen a disproportionately high rate of hate compared to other parts of the country. And remember: this anti-Western hatred has infiltrated institutions across Canada over many years. Canada is the fastest-radicalizing country on the planet — precisely because it’s the last place anyone would expect. That makes it the perfect target.Q: 'Many Jewish Canadians say they are afraid to go about their daily lives or display visible signs of their faith. What impact is that having on the community?'Kurtz: Let me answer with a story. Last year in the Greater Toronto Area, Jewish people began removing mezuzahs from their doorposts. Women in hijabs were reportedly going door to door, taking photos of homes with mezuzahs and writing things on clipboards. .Someone sent me a photo of where their mezuzah used to be — you could still see the paint outline. I posted that on X and explained what was happening. Then I asked non-Jews: would you consider putting a mezuzah on your door in solidarity?The response was overwhelming. People from around the world posted photos of mezuzahs they had placed on their doors in solidarity. That is better protection than the police have ever offered..Q: 'Before the last federal election, antisemitism was getting serious media attention. That spotlight seems to have dimmed. Why?'Kurtz: Because most people still don’t understand: first they come for the Saturday people, then they come for the Sunday people. Canadians are overwhelmed. They’re trying to survive — to pay rent, mortgages, taxes, health care, and groceries. They don’t yet realize what’s coming next.Q: Given both historical and recent events, do you think Jewish Canadians are seriously considering emigration?Kurtz: Yes. The exodus is happening faster than ever. Jews — and our allies — now hold most gatherings in secret. This is Canada in 2025, but we’re operating like it’s Germany in 1939..Q: What can Canadians — especially those of us in the West — do to help Jewish Canadians who feel isolated or unsafe?Kurtz: Put a mezuzah on your door in solidarity. Speak up. Always. This isn’t just about Jews. This is about saving Western civilization.
