Local News
How effective are Canada’s hate speech laws in combating anti-Semitism?
By BERNIE BELLAN Are Canada’s hate speech laws at all effective in combating what has been an outpouring of anti-Semitism since the Hamas massacre of October 7?
That was the question discussed by two individuals with legal backgrounds – Lea Ross and David Matas, in front of an audience in the Multipurpose room of the Asper Campus on Tuesday, December 19.
The event was sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Friends of Israel, and Bridges for Peace. There were about 75 people in attendance.
Lea Ross is a former lawyer who now works teaching musical conducting within the Winnipeg school system. She is also a former student of David Matas – having studied human rights law with Matas at the University of Manitoba law school. Ross also had a number of years experience at the Manitoba Legislature helping to draft laws.
The format for the evening, following introductory remarks, had Ross posing a series of questions to Matas about human rights laws and, following Matas’s answers, entering into further discussion with him about what he had said. Their exchanges moved along quite quickly and, after about an hour, members of the audience were also invited to ask questions.
Ross had also prepared a hand-out for audience members which listed “relevant federal and provincial laws related to hate speech and expression.
In her introductory remarks Ross noted that, since 2009, there have been approximately 2,000 hate crimes a year recorded in Canada. Ross observed that various professors at law school had stated that hate crime laws in Canada “are ineffective and largely symbolic.”
“It’s as if Canada passed a law and then walked away,” Ross oberved.
Having made her thoughts on hate laws here quite clear to the audience, Ross asked Matas the first of her series of questions: “What more can be done?”
Matas responded that we can “increase the sentences for hate crimes, but we can’t look at hate crimes alone.” Matas added that one of the defenses often offered by individuals charged with hate crimes is that what they had said was “the truth.” He explained that Section 319 (3) of the Criminal Code says, among other things, that “No person shall be convicted of an an offence… if he establishes that the statements communicated were true,” but Matas suggested that “truth is a problematic defense.” (One might think, for instance, of the contention that saying Israelis are guilty of “genocide” could be considered hate speech, but the most commonly heard rebuttal to that argument is that genocide can have various interpretations and therefore, it might be true.)
Further, Matas alluded to the difficulty even in initiating a hate crime charge under the Criminal Code of Canada (which added hate crimes to the list of criminal offences in 1985). According to Section 319 (6), “no proceeding for (a hate crime) offence shall be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General of the province in which the hate crime is alleged to have occurred.” (That difficulty was also cited by Prof. Bryan Schwartz in a talk he gave about antisemitism on university campuses in the Berney Theate on Thursday, November 30. My report on that talk can still be read on our website.)
Notwithstanding the difficulty in getting a hate crime charge laid, Matas did suggest that, if one were sufficiently motivated to do so, one could launch a private prosecution against an individual for a hate crime.
Matas also added that, “We’re not so much interested in how to make the (hate crime) laws better, it’s how to make the laws work” in the first place. For instance, he suggested, “you could use other offences in the criminal code that don’t require the consent of the attorney general.”
He brought up a recent instance in which a man in BC was charged with “indecent communication” for making threats against an Ottawa Jewish doctor in a phone call made to that doctor.
Ross brought up a section of the criminal code hate laws that refer specifically to “promoting anti-Semitism.” Section 319 (2.1) says: “Everyone who, by communicating statements, other than in private conversation, willfully promotes anti-Semitism by condoning, denying, or downplaying the Holocaust” is guilty of an offense. Ross wondered whether that section ought to be “broadened to target conspiracy theories” beyond the Holocaust?
She then brought up the hornet’s nest known as the internet, asking Matas what he thought could be done to better control the explosion of anti-Semitism on the internet?
Matas responded that “the first recourse shouldn’t be to the police, it should be to the internet providers…If hate speech violates the terms of service (of a particular provider), then they can cut them off.” (Matas also said he actually has read many of those interminable “terms of service” documents that are included in so many websites and apps. That in itself should get him some kind of special award.)
Now, lest one think that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees, among other guarantees, “freedom of expression,” Matas noted that “the Canadian Charter doesn’t apply to private companies.”
“France and Germany hold internet companies liable for what’s posted,” Matas pointed out.
Further to the issue of what constitutes antisemitic expression, Ross referred to the expression, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” noting that both Austria and the Netherlands have moved to have that expression banned. She wondered whether “Jews should move to have it banned in Canada” as well?
Again, Matas responded that the Charter’s right to free expression wouldn’t pertain to someone mouthing that expression on a university campus, as “the Charter doesn’t apply to universities.”
Thus, “if the (Federal) government were to ban it, it would be subject to the Charter, but if universities and private companies were to ban it,” the Charter wouldn’t apply, so it is conceivable that a university could act to prevent a student or students from voicing that expression. (At the end of this article I refer specifically of the case in which a University of Manitoba Nursing student was suspended for sharing anti-Semitic posts on Instagram.)
Yet, Matas wondered, “Do we start legislating expressions?”
Ross asked: “What can we do to better protect our youth from hate speech?”
Matas drew upon his own experience as a youth, when he saw a film about “stereotypes,” saying that film had a lasting impact upon him – and suggested that showing a film of that sort to students would be of great benefit.
Ross brought up the question of competing rights: The right to freedom of expression and the importance of protecting vulnerable groups. She wondered how we can maintain a balance? (Interestingly, in this same issue, we have two different articles, by Michael Posner and by Henry Srebrnik, both of whom explore the issue of how far the pendulum has swung in protecting so called “vulnerable groups,” which apparently doesn’t include Jews.)
Matas said: “Academic freedom has gone wild, but very often you’re dealing with conflicting rights. The balance lies in determining where the greater harm lies,” but right now, “the balance is totally tilted” in favour of those so called vulnerable groups.
Ross asked whether “we should ever go to human rights commissions” when it comes to trying to protect against hate speech?
Matas responded that “human rights commissions (which are products of provincial legislation) don’t deal with incitement to hatred.”
Speaking of provincial legislation, Matas further explained that “the Defamation Act (also a Manitoba statute) which refers to a “libel against a race, religious creed or sexual orientation” doesn’t allow for damages, which is why it’s almost never used.”
Yet, Matas added, “it’s not as if we have nothing now. What we have to do is make better use of existing laws.”
One could sue for libel under the Defamation Act if one believes they were libeled as an individual; however, there is no such thing as “group libel,” Matas observed.
When it came time for questions, I asked the same question of David Matas that I had asked of Bryan Schwartz when he spoke about anti-Semitism on university campuses. I noted that the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Manitoba had suspended the Nursing Association’s president for what were described as antisemitic posts on Instagram. (Apparently her suspension is still under appeal. At least that’s the only news I could find when I tried to search for an update on that story.)
Regardless whether the suspension is reversed or not, that student was suspended for what were described as “anti-Semitic posts.” I said to Bryan Schwartz and I said to David Matas: The Faculty of Nursing exhibited some intestinal fortitude. (And yes, I’m well aware that one might say, this was different. How would a Jewish patient feel knowing the nurse dealing with them might be an antisemite? Come on: There are all sorts of professions and positions about which we could say the same thing.) The fact is, as I said to David Matas: The surprise isn’t that more universities haven’t taken action in response to hate speech, the surprise is that one actually did.
Local News
“Chanukah Guilt: A Jewish Holiday Murder Mystery”
Review –Interview by MARTIN ZEILIG
With “Chanukah Guilt: A Jewish Holiday Murder Mystery” (Scribal Scion Publishing 182 pg. $20.00) Winnipeg author Avra Love steps confidently into the world of cozy Jewish crime fiction, delivering a warm, witty, and culturally textured novel that feels instantly familiar to anyone who has spent time in a synagogue social hall.
Published by Scribal Scion in August 2026, the book marks a notable shift from Love’s earlier works — the playful children’s book “Don’t Wake Mommy!” and her flash fiction collection “Into the Junk Drawer” — yet it carries forward her trademark blend of humour, character insight, and affection for the small dramas of everyday life.
Love, who was interviewed by email for this article, grew up surrounded by stories and language, and that early immersion shows. She had long wanted to take on a larger scale project, and this idea — sparked by her own experiences participating in holiday craft sales — lent itself naturally to expansion.
“I was always struck by the diversity and energy you find at these events,” she says. “When I considered it as a background for my story, I chose to make it a Jewish setting.”
The novel unfolds over a single day: the pre Chanukah craft sale at a local synagogue. It’s the kind of event many Jewish readers will recognize immediately — twenty vendors, tables overflowing with handmade goods, the hum of conversation, and the quiet hope that the turnout will justify all the effort.
Into this bustling scene steps Becky, the first time coordinator of the sale, who has taken on the job mostly because no one else would. Becky’s background as a theatre director gives her a keen eye for personalities, staging, and the subtle tensions that animate a room. It also makes her an unexpectedly capable amateur sleuth when a sudden death shatters the cheerful atmosphere.
Love’s decision to set the mystery within a single communal event is inspired. The synagogue social hall becomes a microcosm of Jewish communal life — warm, opinionated, occasionally chaotic, and full of characters who are both endearing and exasperating. The vendors, each with their quirks and motivations, form a lively ensemble cast. Their interactions provide humour, texture, and a steady stream of clues as Becky tries to piece together what happened before the police arrive.
The tone throughout is unmistakably cozy.
Love isn’t interested in grisly details or procedural complexity; her focus is on character, community, and the gentle absurdities that arise when ordinary people are thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The dialogue is sharp and often funny, peppered with Hebrew and Yiddish expressions that feel authentic rather than ornamental. A glossary at the end ensures that readers of all backgrounds can follow along without missing the cultural flavour.
Behind the scenes, Hanukah Guilt was very much a labour of love.
The book began as a “piecework project built over sporadic bouts of creativity,” Love explains, and then underwent multiple revisions.
All told, it took most of three years to complete. When it came time to publish, she didn’t hesitate to bring the manuscript to Scribal Scion.
“I had such a great experience working with James Gershfield on my first children’s book that I went to him first — and I’m glad I did. I’ve been so appreciative of his hard work and expertise in helping me craft the finished product.”
What elevates Hanukah Guilt is Love’s ability to balance levity with sincerity. Beneath the humour lies a genuine appreciation for Jewish communal spaces — their warmth, their imperfections, and their role as gathering points for tradition, creativity, and connection. Becky’s determination to solve the mystery is less about heroism and more about responsibility: to the vendors, to the event, and to the community she cares about.
Love’s writing career continues to expand. In addition to this novel, she has two new Jewish children’s picture books underway with Scribal Scion Kids and continues to write short stories in her spare time. Hanukah Guilt is her third published book — and her most ambitious to date.
In Hanukah Guilt, Avra Love has crafted a charming, accessible, and distinctly Jewish mystery that will resonate with readers across generations. It is a welcome addition to holidaythemed fiction and a delightful new chapter in the career of a Winnipeg writer whose voice continues to grow in range and confidence.
This is a book that belongs on Jewish bookshelves — and one that will make readers smile even as they turn the pages in search of clues.
Avra Love is a Winnipeg educator with a background in English Language studies and Philosophy. She is the author of three books: the flash fiction collection “Into the Junk Drawer,” the children’s book “Don’t Wake Mommy!,” and her new cozy mystery “Hanukah Guilt: A Jewish Holiday Murder Mystery.” She loves to read, write, craft, and practice healthy living.
Local News
Israel’s ambassador to Canada makes first visit to Winnipeg
By MYRON LOVE On Thursday, August 6, Iddo Moed, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, made his first visit to Winnipeg and shared an overview of Israel-Canada relations with an engaged audience of about 100 Jewish community members and supporters. This was an important visit for the Winnipeg community. The event was focused on community affairs, with no presence of government or elected officials.
Moed is a 34-year veteran of the Israeli diplomat corps with a resumé that includes postings in China, Singapore, the Netherlands, and the Dominican Republic as well as some African countries. He has been stationed in Ottawa for the past three years.
The evening before the presentation, according to Jeff Lieberman, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg’s CEO, the ambassador walked through the Asper Campus introducing himself to people he encountered, then took in the show at the Israel Pavilion. Afterward, Moed spoke with several people at the show. On his way out, he looked into the Bedouin tent in front of the cultural display and visited for a few minutes with a family inside.
The evening began with remarks from Gustavo Zentner, Vice President, Prairies, at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), who highlighted the unbreakable bond between our Jewish community and Israel, as well as the deep and enduring connection between the Jewish people and Israel. “At a time of heightened antisemitism and anti-Zionism across Canada,” Zentner said, “the contributions of Jewish Canadians to Manitoba and to Canada are foundational to our shared society.”
He called on the community to celebrate what makes us strong, our innovation, our Jewish “chutzpah”, our resilience, and our commitment to being there for one another. Zentner noted that our determination to strengthen and protect our community must extend beyond our own institutions and include strong, visible advocacy.
“This means,” he observed, “creating more opportunities for open dialogue and meaningful engagement, while firmly denouncing and pushing back against antisemitism, Jew-hatred and anti-Zionism, not only to protect the Jewish community, but also as a means of safeguarding our Canadian way of life and standing up for other minority communities whose voices may not otherwise be heard.”
During his own remarks, Ambassador Moed spoke about the friendliness of Canadians but, nonetheless, he observed, his time here has been difficult.
“I remember a discussion that I had years ago with a friend who predicted that even though incidents of antisemitism back then were minimal, there would undoubtedly be a resurgence.” he observed. “The level of hate I have seen in Canada and around the world has been quite disturbing.”
Moed claimed that 97% of Jewish university students in North America report that they have experienced antisemitism. He added that for Holocaust survivors, the current levels of hate are bringing back traumatic memories.
“Since October 7, life has been much more challenging and difficult for our people,” he noted. “Social media in particular has been a major problem. We need to reach out to our allies in the non-Jewish world. We need to find ways to highlight all the good that Israel does in the world. We also need to emphasize that Jewish values are largely in sync with Canadian values.
“And our Jewish community institutions need to be working together in a pro-active manner,” Moed said.
When it comes to Canada-Israel trade, Moed described the current situation as “stagnant.” “There is a lot of interest in Canada in potential trade deals with Israel,” he reported, “but federal government policies are not helpful.” Moed did add that he sees much potential for trade at the provincial level. “There has been a lot of interest in Quebec and Ontario in particular,” he said. “We are trying to reach out to the other provinces as well.”
The ambassador spoke for a relatively short time so as to leave a lot of time for questions from the audience. One question was about the possibility of a two-state solution. In response, Moed pointed out that over the years, Israel has offered numerous concessions – to no avail.
“We have learned that we can’t trust the Palestinian leadership,” he said.
A question about war crimes gave Moed an opportunity to contrast the Israel Defense Force’s great efforts to reduce casualties among Palestinian civilians with frequent warnings before the air force drop bombs or infantry units move into populated areas with Hamas and Islamic Jihad literally hiding among and behind women and children and hiding in and storing weapons in schools, hospitals, mosques and private homes.
Moed added that every IDF regiment has a legal advisor embedded with it to ascertain that military actions abide by international law.
He noted that on October 6, 2023, Gaza was quiet. On October 8, social media and the legacy media were already condemning Israel for “genocide”.
Moed emphasized the importance of Jewish education in our communities in Canada and the United States – even suggesting that some of the money our communities send to Israel might be better spent investing in Jewish education here at home.
(Despite almost three years of war, Israel still has one of the world’s strongest economies.)
One questioner asked about the prospect of Israel’s high-tech industry- which is second in size only to California – being able to develop a system that can override all the negativity and present a more positive picture online of Israel and the Jewish People.
Moed agreed that “the left are eating our lunch.” “Maybe we can create a platform using AI that can present a more positive view of Israel,” he suggested.
Moed has one more year to serve in Ottawa before he returns to Israel and finds out where he is off to next.
Local News
This Toronto street corner has been a site of anti-Zionist activism for months. Police just opened a hate crime investigation.
By Sage Lattman August 25, 2026
This story was originally published in the Forward. Click here to get the Forward’s free email newsletters delivered to your inbox.
The Toronto Police Service hate crimes unit is investigating teacher Abbas Hamze for remarks about “Zionists.” Canadian Jewish groups, including the Jewish Federations of Canada’s advocacy arm and B’nai Brith Canada, have called his speech, which went viral online, “blatant antisemitism.”
Hamze’s remarks invoked antisemitic tropes, accusing “Zionists” of performing “black magic” as well as raping and killing children. He spoke at the intersection of Bathurst and Sheppard, in the heavily Jewish Toronto neighborhood of Bathurst Manor – Clanton Park.
According to his LinkedIn, Hamze works as an instructor at several Canadian colleges in the area, including the University of Niagara Falls and Georgian College. He does not specify what he teaches.
According to a statement by Georgian College, Hamze is no longer employed there, having taught an online data analytics course until last academic year. In an email to the Forward, a college spokesperson described Hamze’s remarks as “violent, derogatory and hateful” and said the college “doesn’t tolerate racism, hate, discrimination or harassment, including antisemitism, directed at any individual or group.”
Hamze could not be reached for comment. The University of Niagara Falls did not respond to requests to comment, and the Toronto Police declined a request for comment.
UNF issued a statement addressing Hamze’s remarks, distancing the university from the instructor’s statements and stating that they have “zero tolerance for discrimination, hate, harassment, or any conduct that threatens the dignity and well-being of others.” They announced that they are “launching an internal investigation” into the matter.
In his speech, Hamze claimed that “British colonizers have planted this cancerous, false Zionist state of Israel … right in the heart of Islam.”
Later — wearing a keffiyeh and reading from his phone into a megaphone emblazoned with the Lebanese flag — the instructor repeated numerous antisemitic conspiracy theories, including the debunked idea that Jews have caused or deserved centuries of persecution.
“The Zionists have never had a country of their own because of their mischief,” Hamze said. “They are the most kicked-out people in the world who are making black magic and horrible things.”
He went on to say that Jewish corruption is “crystal clear in Epstein Island where they have the Jewish leaders from all around the world.” He accused “Zionists” of having “raped, and killed, and ate children at the same time.”
Finally, he unfoundedly blamed the actions of President Donald Trump on “Zionists” who “blackmail” and “control” people.
“That’s why you can see now a guy like Trump who caused this genocide in Gaza kidnaps the presidents of Venezuala, kills the supreme leader of Iran Imam Ali Khamenei, may God sanctify his soul,” he said. “This is because of them, the terrorist Zionists.”
It appears that people became aware of Hamze’s remarks after Casey Babb, an Israel and International Relations scholar, posted a video of him on X.
In a joint statement, Canadian Jewish groups described Hamze’s claims as “antisemitic blood libels that have been used for centuries to justify hatred and violence against Jews.”
The statement says that the intersection where Hamze spoke, Bathurst and Sheppard, has long been a site of “antisemitic harassment, intimidation and provocation, too often under the guise of anti-Zionism,” and called on Toronto’s police department to investigate the incident.
“Allowing this behaviour to go unchecked is to normalize antisemitism as an everyday feature of life in this city,” it stated.
The city’s police have opened an investigation. However, online, some said that Hamze had been speaking at the street corner for months without police intervention.
In Canada, public incitement of hatred is considered a criminal offense. The Canadian criminal code says that “communicating statements in any public place” that “incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace” is a breach of law, resulting in up to two years in prison.
This story was originally published on the Forward.
