Jews in Canada - Reading modified

Jews in Canada

• Population Overview

  • At the outbreak of World War II, approximately 167,000 Jews lived in Canada, making up 1.5% of the population.

  • Most concentrated in Montreal, Toronto, and Winnipeg.

  • Majority foreign-born, with many speaking Yiddish as a first language.

  • Politically, religiously, and economically diverse community.

• Response to Nazi Threat

  • The Jewish community organized rallies and protests against Nazi anti-Semitic policies in Europe.

  • In 1934, the Canadian Jewish Congress started campaigns against anti-Semitism, influenced by the government’s refusal to rescue European Jews.

• Aftermath of the Holocaust

  • Post-war awareness of the Holocaust atrocities led to a refugee crisis among displaced European Jews.

  • Canada maintained restrictive immigration policies during this time.

  • In 1945, a Canadian official infamously stated, "none is too many" regarding admitting Jews into Canada.

  • Continued advocacy led to 1947's Privy Council Order #1647, allowing 1,000 Jewish orphans to enter Canada.

  • Between 1947 and 1949, 1,123 orphans resettled in Canada, marking a pivotal change in Jewish immigration policy.

  • By 1948, an initial wave of 40,000 other Jewish survivors also immigrated to Canada.

  • As of the 2001 Census, Jews represented 1.1% of Canada’s population.

  • Despite a decrease in public expressions of anti-Semitism, issues like desecration of Jewish cemeteries persist, along with neo-Nazi propaganda.

Anti-Semitism in Canada

• Historical Context

  • Racism was widespread in the early to mid-20th century Canadian society, affecting immigrants, racial minorities and especially Jews.

  • Social segregation occurred, with Jews barred from many public places including hotels, beaches, parks, and restaurants.

• Discriminatory Practices

  • During the 1920s to 1940s, many public institutions (e.g., universities, hospitals) implemented quotas against Jewish individuals.

  • Economic sanctions such as boycotting Jewish businesses became common.

  • The dominant belief was that Canada should remain a white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant nation, leading to systemic job exclusions for Jews.

• Impact of the Great Depression

  • The economic struggles intensified existing prejudices, as nativists blamed immigrants for job scarcity.

  • Many Canadians believed that landownership discrimination was justified, perpetuating barriers to housing for minority groups.

  • Discriminatory laws and practices persisted until after World War II.

Fascism & Nazism in Canada

• Emergence of Movements

  • Between WWI and WWII, various nativist, fascist, and Nazi groups emerged, promoting an exclusionary agenda against Jews.

  • Notable organizations included the Canadian Nationalist Party, the Canadian Guard, and the Canadian Union of Fascists.

• Ideology

  • Fascism emphasized militarism, ultra-nationalism, and repression of dissent, with Nazism adding racial purity and anti-Semitism to this mix.

  • William Whittaker's Canadian Nationalist Party published anti-Semitic content and mobilized support against Jews during economically difficult times.

  • Community reactions to increased diversity manifested in violence and discrimination, including the rise of Swastika Clubs.

• Christie Pits Riot

  • On August 14, 1933, a riot erupted in Toronto following a baseball game, symbolizing tensions between Jewish Canadians and anti-Semitic groups.

  • This violence was marked by prolonged brawling between rival groups.

• Quebec Anti-Semitism

  • Figures like Adrien Arcand fueled anti-Semitic sentiment through propaganda linking Jews to broader societal issues.

  • Arcand's National Socialist Christian Party aligned with Nazi ideals, promoting a vision of a Canada free of Jews.

  • He published anti-Semitic literature, receiving funds from the Conservative Party, highlighting political complicity.

  • After the war began, Arcand and his supporters faced policing actions, ultimately being interned for their extremist activities.