The recently released 2024 Hate and Bias Crime Unit statistics from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) confirm what many in the Jewish community already feel — hate crimes remain a serious concern. In 2024, the OPS addressed 467 incidents, including 351 criminal and 116 hate-motivated incidents, marking a slight decrease of 4% from 2023. Of those incidents, 113 targeted Jewish individuals or institutions, once again making Ottawa’s Jewish community the most victimized group.
Charges were laid in several cases: 54 individuals faced 190 criminal counts, including one formal hate crime charge for Public Incitement of Hatred under the Criminal Code of Canada. Additionally, seven Youth Criminal Justice Act warnings were issued. The most serious violations included mischief to property, threats, assault, harassing communication, and assault causing bodily harm.
Hate crimes are deeply troubling, and with the global rise in antisemitism, public safety remains top of mind in Jewish communities. Whether it pertains to protest regulations, security at Jewish spaces, or police vigilance, people are rightly questioning how spaces are being kept safe.
“In order to combat hatred, it is important to understand and name its catalyst,” said David Sachs, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Community Relations and Antisemitism Specialist. “The explosion of attacks against Jews since October 7 is tragic proof that hate crimes against our community are now largely driven by the anti-Israel movement. We need to stigmatize and isolate the extremists – the supporters of Hamas, of the October 7 attacks, and globalizing the intifada – so that, regardless of politics, decent people will refuse to march with them or allow their views into their unions and workspaces.”
As the community grapples with these disturbing trends, local Jewish leadership is actively working to ensure safety measures are in place.
“The security team at the Jewish Community Campus of Ottawa as well as Federation leadership is in regular communication with law enforcement and other partners, working together to stay informed and prepared,” explained Rena Garshowitz, Federation’s VP of Operations. “The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority, and we are continually assessing and adapting our approach to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.”
Law enforcement officials also acknowledge the ongoing risks and are taking steps to respond.
“While we have seen a slight decrease in reported incidents, we recognize that hate remains a serious concern, particularly for Ottawa’s Jewish community, which continues to be the most targeted group,” said Sgt. Ali Toghrol, from the OPS Hate and Bias Unit. “The Ottawa Police Service is working hard to protect all communities, increasing patrols in high-risk areas, strengthening partnerships with faith and cultural organizations, and enhancing investigative efforts to hold offenders accountable.”
Knowing your resources as a member of Jewish Ottawa is paramount in calling out antisemitism and ensuring decision-makers hear your concerns. Sachs is a valuable community resource, while Jonathan Calof, Special Adviser on Antisemitism at the University of Ottawa, offers support for students and faculty facing antisemitism.
Additionally, Federation’s Combatting Antisemitism page lists helpful resources.
To help strengthen efforts to combat antisemitism, students and parents in K-12 education in Ontario are invited to share their experiences by completing this confidential survey.
Lastly, if you experience something, say something. The OPS have shared that hate crimes are vastly underreported and encourages anyone who has experienced a hate-motivated incident to report it. The Hate and Bias Crime Unit can be reached at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300, or reports can be made online. Anonymous tips are also accepted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca