Source: Fox News
Summary
Jewish Canadians facing rising antisemitism may seek U.S. refuge under a plan supported by former President Donald Trump. The National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL) urged Trump to pressure Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over perceived barriers to Jewish emigration. The group cited a “disproportionate” number of antisemitic incidents in Canada, including attacks on Jewish institutions. NACL founder Jason Rapert called for expedited legal pathways, citing concerns over safety and security. The push follows reports of increased antisemitic violence and harassment in Canada, with some Jewish Canadians expressing interest in relocating to the U.S.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Trump shares a report on Jewish Canadian emigration on Truth Social.
Rapert calls for direct pressure on Canadian leaders.
Christian lawmakers push for legal pathways for Jewish families.
Antisemitism becomes a performance of urgency and solidarity.
Author: Evan Null
Antisemitism and Political Performance
Jewish Canadians facing rising antisemitism might have President Donald Trump’s support for an expedited legal pathway into the United States. Trump shared a report on the plan Sunday with his millions of followers on Truth Social, amplifying the appeal as Christian lawmakers and religious leaders press his administration to act because of a “disproportionate” amount of antisemitic incidents north of the U.S. border.
The National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL) founder and President Jason Rapert told Fox News Digital from Israel on Sunday morning that he wants Trump to press Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney directly on the perceived “roadblocks” set up against the “quick recognition of the plight” of thousands of Jewish Canadians fearing for their safety.
Rapert and former U.S. ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback signed the letter along with more than 50 state legislators, religious leaders and other civic figures, sending it to Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and congressional leaders.
Canada, which recently had a broadcaster reject the use of the word “terrorism” with regard to 9/11 coverage, has reported nearly 7,000 antisemitic incidents in a country of roughly 41 million people.
By comparison, the U.S. has more than 342 million people and has reported fewer than 6,300, Rapert noted.
Political Pressure and Religious Solidarity
“For generations, America has served as a refuge for people fleeing religious persecution,” the group wrote in a letter Thursday to Trump. “We urge you to ensure that, consistent with federal law and the security interests of the United States, that door remains open to our Jewish brothers and sisters in Canada who need it today.”
Rapert and former U.S. ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback signed the letter along with more than 50 state legislators, religious leaders and other civic figures, sending it to Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and congressional leaders.
“Recent data demonstrate that Jewish Canadians are being targeted at a grossly disproportionate rate, while community-based reporting reflects thousands of antisemitic incidents across Canada,” Rapert wrote.
“It’s definitely a problem” by greater proportions in Canada, and “it’s eerie to hear,” he told Fox News Digital after a Sunday visit to the Ghetto Fighters’ House Museum in northern Israel along with a delegation of U.S. lawmakers, where he spoke with a 91-year-old Holocaust survivor.
Rapert said the NACL was alerted of the concerns of the Jewish Canadians fearing their inability to emigrate to the U.S. from a piece in the National Post by Canadian/American Jewish community leader Michael Sachs, who is currently the Senior Director of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, Okla.
Global Concerns and Local Responses
Jewish Canadians have expressed interest in relocating because of safety concerns, harassment, vandalism, intimidation, threats and violence against Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses, institutions and families following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks on Israel, according to Sachs.
Now, amid Trump’s frustration with Canada and Carney, Rapert sees the urgency for a proposal that would use existing refugee, humanitarian and visa authorities to help facilitate movement.
Carney has himself acknowledged a severe rise in antisemitism in Canada, saying his country has failed to adequately protect its Jewish community.
“Canada’s civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians,” Carney told an audience at Toronto’s Holy Blossom Temple in June, saying the country’s antisemitism crisis is “specific, severe and demands a targeted response.”
The prime minister pointed to bullets fired at Jewish schools, firebombings at synagogues, attacks on community centers and Jewish-owned businesses and the targeting of Jewish students on university campuses.
Political and Religious Advocacy
The NACL letter urged the administration to coordinate with state and local governments, Jewish organizations, churches, nonprofits and employers willing to help families establish new lives in the United States.
“Antisemitism is a moral evil, and Christians must be willing to stand with our Jewish friends when they face hatred and persecution,” Rapert said. “We are asking President Trump and his administration to consider what lawful steps America can take to help Jewish Canadian families who are genuinely concerned for their safety.”
Oklahoma has emerged as one potential destination. Jewish and Christian leaders in Tulsa have offered to help receive Canadian Jewish families, while Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has told Trump his state would welcome Jewish families who legally enter the United States, according to the letter.
“They bring talent, faith, family values, entrepreneurship, and a sincere desire to contribute to the Nation that offers them safety and religious liberty,” the letter said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Context and Reactions
Trump’s support for Jewish Canadian emigration comes amid a broader push by Christian lawmakers to address rising antisemitism. The National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL) has been vocal in its criticism of Canada’s handling of the issue, calling for direct action from the U.S. administration.
Rapert and other leaders have emphasized the need for a coordinated response, involving both government and community organizations. They argue that the U.S. has a responsibility to offer refuge to those fleeing religious persecution, including Jewish Canadians.
The push for expedited pathways has also been supported by some U.S. states, like Oklahoma, which has expressed willingness to welcome Jewish families. This reflects a broader trend of religious and civic groups stepping in to support those in need.
Despite the urgency, the situation remains complex, with concerns about the legal and practical challenges of facilitating large-scale emigration. However, the political and religious pressure continues to mount, with calls for action growing louder.
As the debate unfolds, the focus remains on the safety and well-being of Jewish Canadians, with many hoping for a swift and effective response from both the U.S. and Canadian governments.
