Toronto, Canada – The Canadian Security and Intelligence Service has issued a warning regarding a surge in “violent rhetoric” from “extremist actors” following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The agency expressed concerns that this rhetoric could potentially escalate into violence.
Last fall, the spy agency consulted with the federal Public Safety Department, as well as Muslim and Jewish leaders, regarding a rise in reported hate crimes fueled by the ongoing conflict. CSIS spokesperson Eric Balsam emphasized the potential impact of the current crisis on heightened tensions within Canadian society.
According to CSIS, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric from extremist actors since the Hamas attack, with a possibility of these events influencing individuals’ intent to mobilize to violence. The agency’s primary role is to monitor potentially dangerous behavior and identify threats for government and law enforcement agencies.
While CSIS surveillance does not encompass government dissent or lawful protests protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, concerns have been raised about activists facing backlash and consequences for expressing certain chants associated with the conflict.
Community leaders have highlighted instances of activists having their right to free speech stifled, particularly at protests where law enforcement officers have been monitoring chants. Jewish leaders have condemned individuals praising the Hamas attack in various Canadian cities.
A recent report by B’nai Brith Canada revealed a spike in incidents of antisemitism since the Oct. 7 attack, occurring both online and in public on an almost daily basis. The organization’s director of research and advocacy noted the disproportionate impact of unrest in Israel on Jewish Canadians.
Federal officials have been urged to address the hateful rhetoric expressed at rallies, particularly regarding the term “Zionist.” RCMP has instructed front-line members to monitor Jewish-owned businesses and schools for potential targeted attacks.
Public Safety Canada has also been tasked with engaging universities to address rising tensions and antisemitism on campuses. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protestors have established encampments at Canadian universities to protest Israeli retaliation for the Oct. 7 attack. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to monitor and address the ongoing tensions.