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National Post

Israel warns of travel to Canada over 'growing threat from terrorist elements'

Israel's National Security Council has raised its travel advisory for Canada from Level 1 ('no warning') to Level 2 ('potential threat'), citing an increased danger to Israelis and Jews living or travelling in the country. Article content Article content The NSC noted a 'growing threat from terrorist elements' in Canada, pointing to a series of recent attacks and threats targeting Jewish institutions and individuals. Over the past 18 months, there have been multiple incidents, including shootings, arson attacks, and direct threats against Jews and Israelis. Article content Article content B'nai Brith Canada documented a historic high of antisemitic incidents in 2024, with 6,219 reported cases including firebombing of synagogues, attacks on schools and Jewish-owned businesses, and several arrests of suspects on terrorism-related charges. The tally represented a 7.4 per cent increase from 2023 and a 124 per cent increase from 2022. Article content Article content In 2024, Canada 'earned the dubious title of 'champion of antisemitism' with a more than 7.5-fold jump in antisemitic incidents in the past year,' Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism said in a statement on May 5. Article content The National Security Council is advising Israeli citizens in Canada to exercise increased caution, avoid public displays of Jewish or Israeli identity, and remain highly alert in public spaces. Article content Article content The advisory comes as anti-Israel organizations are expected to stage protests on May 25 in Toronto and Waterloo, Ontario, in response to pro-Israel events being held the same day. According to Israeli authorities, online discourse surrounding these demonstrations has become increasingly radicalized, with some calls interpreted as incitement to violent action against Jews and Israelis. Article content Article content The NSC urged those attending pro-Israel events in Canada to follow all instructions from local police and security forces and avoid confrontations with opposing demonstrators. Article content Hamas's invasion of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel's military campaign against Hamas in response to this have triggered a surge of antisemitic attacks in Western countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Article content