National Security Council issues travel warning for Jews, Israelis in Canada

Canadian Jews reported concerns regarding their safety and antisemitism in the months before the recent election.

 MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: People attend a Pro-Palestinian demonstration with Palestinian flags and banners as they march from downtown Montreal to the Consulate General of Israel in support of Palestinians in Montreal, Canada on October 13, 2023. (photo credit: Amru Salahuddien/Anadolu via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: People attend a Pro-Palestinian demonstration with Palestinian flags and banners as they march from downtown Montreal to the Consulate General of Israel in support of Palestinians in Montreal, Canada on October 13, 2023.
(photo credit: Amru Salahuddien/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Israel's National Security Council raised the travel warning for Canada from Level 1 to Level 2 on Sunday, citing "an increasing threat from terrorist elements against Israelis and Jews in Canada."

The National Security Council called on the Israeli public in the country to exercise extreme caution, especially in anticipation of anti-Israel demonstrations expected to take place in Toronto and Waterloo.

Leaders of Canada, Britain, and France recently warned of sanctions against Israel if the country didn't lift restrictions on humanitarian aid and end the military offensive in Gaza.

“We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions,” the countries said in a joint statement.

Antisemitism influencing Canadian elections

During last month's elections, many Jews reported concerns about safety and antisemitism influencing their decisions.

 Protesters march out of Kings College Circle after leaving a pro-Palestinian student encampment at the University of Toronto following an Ontario judge order for pro-Palestinian protesters to leave their two-month-old encampment, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 3, 2024.  (credit: REUTERS/Arlyn McAdorey)
Protesters march out of Kings College Circle after leaving a pro-Palestinian student encampment at the University of Toronto following an Ontario judge order for pro-Palestinian protesters to leave their two-month-old encampment, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 3, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Arlyn McAdorey)

The Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has received criticism for rising antisemitism under its watch, making antisemitism an election issue. Antisemitism escalated following the October 7 massacre, as did anti-Israel protests and pushes for pro-Palestinian policy, leading to debates about  Israel-Canada ties.