Groups Urge Ottawa to Boost Antisemitism Policing
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs wants expanded RCMP and CSIS powers to counter antisemitism and radicalization after a synagogue shooting in Belleville, Ont.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Judaism
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has called on the federal government to strengthen police and intelligence powers and resources to fight antisemitism. The group's call follows a September 20 shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont., during Yom Kippur.
Why it matters
CIJA argues that conspiracy theories and hatred toward Jews are a common thread among youth susceptible to violent extremism. The request comes as the Liberal government prepares its 2026 budget and has recently changed anti-hate speech legislation.
CIJA sent its memo to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree on October 22, asking for expanded Charter-compliant powers for the RCMP and CSIS. The extraction does not specify funding amounts or the number of incidents involved.
The players
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)
CIJA is a national advocacy organization that represents Jewish community interests in Canada and works on policy related to antisemitism and security.
Chris Malette
Chris Malette is the Liberal Member of Parliament for the riding that includes Belleville, Ontario.
Gary Anandasangaree
Gary Anandasangaree is Canada's Minister of Public Safety, responsible for the RCMP and CSIS.
The details
CIJA, led by Noah Shack, asked the government to ensure proper funding for counter-radicalization programs and to renew and reform the National Strategy on Countering Radicalization to Violence. Belleville Liberal MP Chris Malette said more work is needed to protect Canadian Jews, and survivors Douglas Lobel and Shima Vigodda were affected by the shooting.
Timeline
September 20: A gunman fired at police constables Jeff Smith and Michael McCurdy outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont., while congregants were inside for Yom Kippur.
October 22: CIJA sent its memo to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree.
Thursday: The Liberals table their 2026 federal budget.
Policy Context
The request follows the government's recent changes to anti-hate speech legislation, extending the federal debate on hate-motivated violence into police and intelligence powers. It arrives as the Liberals prepare to table their 2026 federal budget, which may determine funding for counter-radicalization programs.
Canadians may see changes in how police and intelligence agencies monitor and respond to hate-motivated threats if the government adopts CIJA's proposals. Jewish community members and congregations may be affected by any new security measures or funding decisions.
The takeaway
Community safety requests like CIJA's depend on federal budget decisions, so the Thursday budget may show how seriously Ottawa is treating antisemitism and radicalization. Readers can watch for funding details in the budget tabling.
What happens next
The Liberals table their 2026 federal budget on Thursday, when funding for counter-radicalization programs may be addressed.
Further reading
For more on the community's experience, see Judaism coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by National Post.
