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Quebec politicians call for the end of protecting hate speech delivered under the guise of religion
Legal loopholes are protecting behaviours and speech that lead to discrimination and violence, says Quebec Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette, who wants the religious exceptions for hate speech removed from Canada’s Criminal Code.
In a Nov. 27 letter to his federal and provincial counterparts, obtained by The CJN, he asked federal Justice Minister Arif Virani to criminalize hate speech delivered under the guise of faith, after criticizing the inaction of federal lawmakers following recurring outbursts in Montreal—which, he says, contributes to a toxic climate.
At issue are two lines in section 319, 3b and 3.1b, which state, “No person shall be convicted of an offence… if, in good faith, they expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text.”
The exception provides a legal shield for radical extremists to encourage hatred and intolerance towards ethnic and religious groups, Jolin-Barrette wrote, or to disseminate racist, misogynistic or homophobic messages, “undermining our governments’ efforts towards peaceful co-existence.”
Jolin-Barrette insists the move is urgent and would not unjustifiably impede freedom of expression and the ability of individuals to express their religious beliefs. “On the contrary, this withdrawal would protect the rights and dignity of all Quebecers and Canadians, in accordance with the fundamental values of respect and inclusion that must guide us.”
One case that prompted the drive to amend the Code was Montreal imam Adil Charkaoui’s infamous speech at a demonstration in downtown Montreal three weeks after the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel. In front of thousands of supporters, he called on God to “kill the enemies of the people of Gaza and to spare none of them” and “take care” of “Zionist aggressors.”
That and other incidents since have raised awareness among many Canadians of the existence of the Criminal Code religious exception and raised in stark relief the barriers to prosecuting such behaviour, evidenced by Quebec prosecutors deciding not to prosecute Charkaoui for lack of confidence in a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
A few weeks after that call to arms, Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet tabled Bill C-367, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (promotion of hatred or antisemitism), which would simply repeal the clauses, but has been stalled since first reading. The uncertainty regarding the next parliamentary session amid the current turmoil of the Trudeau government and the legislative calendar makes the bill’s progress even more uncertain.
According to a February 2024 Léger poll of 1,529 Canadian adults, 66 percent of Canadians support Blanchet’s bill, while 75 percent of Quebecers are in favour, the highest number in Canada. The largest number of those opposed to the bill were in Alberta and Atlantic Canada, with 43 percent and 42 percent, respectively. Slightly more than a quarter (26 percent) of Canadians reported not being aware that the Criminal Code contains a section on hate speech, with Quebecers the most likely to not be aware (34 percent).
In Quebec, where rejection of religious dogma and exceptionalism has grown for decades, “secularism of the state presupposes equal treatment of citizens before the law, guaranteeing that it applies to all regardless of religious convictions,” Jolin-Barrette wrote on social media, adding the exception is incompatible “with the secularism and social values of the Quebec nation…. The federal government must not wait for further outbursts, it must amend the Criminal Code.”
Quebec’s opposition Liberals support its removal and his motion, which was adopted unanimously by Quebec’s National Assembly. The Quebec Conservative Party’s spokesman, Cedric Lapointe, says the growing demand to remove the protections is “excellent news—no one should be allowed to threaten or incite violence, regardless of their religious beliefs.… Adil Charkaoui should be charged with hate speech and imprisoned for publicly stating that all Israelis should be eliminated.”
The view of B’nai Brith Canada is that recent incidents demonstrate the exemption has been abused and allowed hate-mongers to escape prosecution for inflicting substantial harms which the wilful promotion of hatred provision was created to prevent. “By limiting the breadth of the conduct which is considered exempt under Section 319(3)(b), Parliament should ensure that the exemption is not being used as a way to circumvent prosecution.”
To see or hear peaceful demonstrations is always welcome, Blanchet told reporters on Dec. 4. “It’s normal, it’s part of democracy. It’s even more normal on university campuses. But we must not give in to hate speech or invitations to violence.” He pushed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the issue earlier that day in Parliament, stating, “I get the impression that the prime minister does not appreciate how serious the situation is…. The Jewish community in Canada and Quebec is afraid. Here and in Quebec, because of the federal government, people can incite violence against Jews with impunity.”
He says the “vast majority of Quebecers and the vast majority of Canadians” want the change. “There’s no strategic calculation, there’s no negotiation, we all want something done.”
When pressed by Blanchet, Trudeau responded that Conservative filibustering—with Bloc support—precluded meaningful debate or progress on many files, but then relented, stating the government is “very open to discussing, debating and moving forward on this issue. We recognize that there is no simple or easy solution to this.” Trudeau reiterated that Blanchet’s bill is only a partial solution, “but we must continue to work together. That is why we introduced Bill C‑63, which addresses online hate, protects our children and will be part of the solutions across the country to combat hate and discrimination, especially online.”
The government’s Bill 63 (the Online Harms Act), among other things, amends the Criminal Code with definitions of hate and other provisions, as well as the Canadian Human Rights Act, while putting much of the onus on digital platforms to assume responsibility for harmful content.
Blanchet told reporters the bill is very complex and he’s uncertain if his proposal should be folded into it. “There are elements where there is criminalization on the basis of intent that is very difficult to demonstrate, with very serious penalties that cannot be adopted as such. So we can’t say we’re going to put the law on religious exception inside that.” He would prefer, he says, to just remove the exception from the Criminal Code.
In a Dec. 3 open letter, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs vice-presidents Eta Yudin and Richard Marceau said the “good faith” proviso is problematic. “Can people spread hatred and incite violence while acting in good faith?” they asked. “Can one freely wish for the annihilation of a group while pleading that it was a simple prayer?” There should be a logical answer, they say, but “that is not how it works in Canada.”
“How can we imagine that the calls for murder that we have been hearing constantly in our ‘streets of peace’ for weeks are declarations of ‘good faith’?”
The exemption, they say, “often acts more as a deterrent to prosecution than anything else,” adding Canada’s image and the security of its citizens can be “undermined by this wait-and-see attitude.” Demonstrations in Montreal over the last 14 months have seen some promote “under the cover of ‘preaching’, calls for the death of ‘Zionists’, invocations of jihad and declarations of rallying to recognized terrorist organizations,” says the CIJA statement. “Where is the good faith here?”
The drive to amend the law is happening against the backdrop of a year of unprecedented hate expressed in cities across the country. Jews are the single most targeted group for hate crimes by a wide margin, especially after Oct. 7, 2023, Montreal police have reported.
According to the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), 310 hate crimes and incidents were recorded against the Jewish (230) and Arab-Muslim (80) communities, and 42 individuals have been charged with hate crimes since Oct. 7, 2023. The statistics follow a national trend. According to Statistics Canada, police-reported crimes against Jews across Canada numbered 900 in 2023, a 71-percent increase from 2022.
The most frequently reported hate crimes in Canada were directed against Jews, who, along with LGBTQIA2+ and Black Canadians, account for 19, 18 and 16 percent of hate crimes, respectively.
Abolition of the religious exemption is a key CIJA recommendation to better combat hate speech and speech glorifying terror, spokesman Julien Corona told The CJN. “This abolition must ensure that they are fully sanctioned. We cannot afford to tolerate words that promote the explosion of antisemitism and hatred in what are supposed to be our ‘streets of peace’.” Jolin-Barrette is showing leadership on this issue with this letter, says Corona. “It’s high time the federal government followed through.”
Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather has supported removing the religious exemption for hate speech for years, telling The CJN, “I continue to support it, and I support the private member’s bill that has been put forward to do this.” The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops had no comment about Blanchet’s bill, but said members of its Permanent Council “are aware of the matter and are monitoring it closely.”
While Trudeau affirmed last year that Canada already has very strict rules against incitement to hatred, genocide and violence, CIJA posted on social media that the last 14 months in Montreal proves that is not the case.
“Condemnations are no longer enough. We need action.”
The post Quebec politicians call for the end of protecting hate speech delivered under the guise of religion appeared first on The Canadian Jewish News.
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Belgian Prime Minister Shows Solidarity With Jewish Community, Calls for Caution on Palestinian State Recognition
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever attends a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (not pictured), at the Chancellery, in Berlin, Germany, Aug. 26, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
Amid rising antisemitism across Europe and increasing hostility toward Israel from several European governments, Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed Belgium’s sympathy and respect for the Jewish community this week, honoring the millions of victims of the Holocaust.
During his trip to Berlin on Tuesday, De Wever visited the Holocaust Memorial and left a moving message in its guestbook.
“On behalf of the Belgian government and all people and communities living together in peace in Belgium, I express my deepest sympathy and my respect,” the Belgian leader wrote in a note in German.
“We will remember all the victims. I stand here humbly at this place of remembrance. The Jewish community will always have a home in Europe,” he continued.
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), commended De Wever’s remarks and his support for the Jewish community, highlighting his leadership as a model.
“We sincerely thank Prime Minister De Wever for his moving message in Berlin. At a time when antisemitism is once again spreading across Europe, his clear and unwavering statement that the Jewish community will always have a home here is deeply important,” Margolin said in a statement.
“Such leadership not only honors the memory of the six million victims of the Holocaust but also strengthens the sense of security and belonging for Jews in Belgium and across the continent,” he continued.
“We also commend the Prime Minister’s principled leadership on Israel, where he consistently calls for security guarantees and a realistic path to peace. His voice carries moral weight in Europe, and we deeply appreciate it.”
During a visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, Belgian Prime Minister @Bart_DeWever left an important message in the guestbook. Written in German, his note expressed Belgium’s sympathy and respect for the Jewish community and commemorated the millions… pic.twitter.com/ZcuEfKCavi
— EJA – EIPA (@EJAssociation) August 26, 2025
During his visit to Berlin, De Wever met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the recent push by several European countries to recognize a Palestinian state at next month’s UN General Assembly.
At a joint press conference, De Wever stressed that recognizing a Palestine state is only meaningful under strict conditions, warning that doing so without such guarantees would be “pointless and even counterproductive.”
“Hamas must disappear completely, there must be a credible Palestinian Authority, an agreement must be reached on borders, and Israel must receive security guarantees. Without that, recognition makes no sense,” De Wever said.
In Belgium, De Wever’s more cautious approach to Palestinian statehood and support for Israel have fueled clashes within the government, with Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot threatening to block government initiatives if the coalition continues to hinder a firmer stance on Israel and the recognition of a Palestinian state.
“If there is no stronger tone within the government regarding the human rights violations committed by the Israeli government, or if no measures are taken in favor of recognizing Palestine, a major crisis is looming,” Prévot said during an interview with De Standaard.
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Amid War, Olim-Owned Businesses in Jerusalem Thrive, Showcasing Resilience, Community Spirit
Olim gather at JFK Airport, ready to board a charter flight to Israel and begin their new lives in the Jewish state. Photo: The Algemeiner
JERUSALEM — Despite the strains of war and the obstacles of starting over in a new country, businesses in Jerusalem owned by Jewish immigrants are thriving — a testament to resilience, Zionist commitment, and the power of community.
New immigrants, or olim, who make aliyah to Israel face steep challenges even in times of peace, navigating strict regulations, endless permits, and financial hurdles, though the Israeli government offers some support and incentives to promote new businesses.
Aliyah refers to the process of Jews immigrating to Israel, and olim refers to those who make this journey.
In recent years, the road has become even more difficult for entrepreneurs, first with the economic disruption of COVID-19 and now amid the uncertainty of the war in Gaza.
For many olim, launching a business in Israel is about more than entrepreneurship — it’s a way to start a new life, serve their country, build a community, and make a meaningful impact.
Last week, 225 new olim arrived in Tel Aviv on the first charter aliyah flight since the Hamas-led invasion of and massacre across southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) — a nonprofit that promotes and facilitates aliyah from the US and Canada — brought its 65th charter flight from New York, which The Algemeiner joined.
Founded in 2002, NBN helps olim become fully integrated members of Israeli society, simplifying the immigration process and providing essential resources and guidance.
In partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth, and the Jewish National Fund, NBN has helped nearly 100,000 olim build thriving new lives in Israel.
Eager to start their next chapter in Israel, these immigrants bring fresh ideas, culinary creativity, and cultural richness, strengthening the country’s social fabric every day.
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Diana Shapira brought her passion for baking and warm hospitality to Israel, turning her aliyah dream into a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
She and her husband created Infused JLM, located near Jerusalem’s Mahaneh Yehuda Market, blending American and Israeli culture and creating a space that brings people together.
“We want people to see that an oleh’s dream can happen,” Shapira told The Algemeiner. “Even without family and facing many challenges, starting a business in Israel is possible — especially when you have the support of the community.”
“Before we made aliyah, so many people told us it was a bad financial decision. But you have to push past the doubt and keep striving,” she continued.
Another olim-owned business located in Jerusalem, Power CoffeeWorks, has become a favorite destination for coffee enthusiasts across the city.
Owned by Stephanie and Brandon, who made aliyah from Cape Town, South Africa, in 2016 with their four children at the time (now seven), the couple has turned their venture into a hub for coffee lovers and a gathering place for the community.
“We made aliyah because we believed Israel was the best place to raise our children,” Stephanie told The Algemeiner. “Despite all the challenges along the way, it has been an incredible journey.”
Crave, another oleh-owned restaurant in Mahaneh Yehuda, has gained increasing attention with its strictly kosher gourmet street food, blending American, Mexican, and Asian flavors in a way that hasn’t been seen before.
American-born Yoni Van Leeuwen, who made aliyah more than 20 years ago with his wife and eight children, views food not just as a business, but as a way to bring cultures and communities together.
Following the Oct. 7 atrocities, the war in Gaza dealt a harsh blow to Israeli businesses, forcing many to cut hours, adapt operations, and manage shortages.
Yet these olim-owned establishments have shown resilience, proving that passion, creativity, and commitment to the Zionist dream can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Whether by serving comfort food, offering a safe space for neighbors, or organizing fundraisers for soldiers in Gaza and Lebanon, these business owners described a spirit of perseverance deeply rooted in Jewish history.
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Police in England Investigate Air Rifle Attack Against Jewish Teenager, Swastika Spray Painted at Rabbi’s Home
Friday night saw a string of swastika vandalism resulting in four reports, including from Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, a Chabad leader who discovered the Nazi symbol spray painted in black on his home’s white wall as he left for synagogue the next morning with his two young daughters. Photo: Screenshot
Multiple antisemitic incidents reported this past weekend targeted the Jewish community of Bournemouth in the southern region on the coast of the United Kingdom.
On Saturday afternoon, a driver stopped to harass and yell obscenities at two pedestrians before shooting one, a Jewish teenage boy, in the forehead with an air rifle and fleeing. The victim suffered swelling but has otherwise recovered.
“Detectives are leading the investigation to locate the occupants of the vehicle and to establish the full circumstances of the incident,” a spokesman for Dorset Police said. “The incident is being treated as a hate crime. Officers are engaging with the local community and carrying out patrols in the area. We would encourage anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer.”
Rabbi Alan Lewis, who leads the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation, said that “the young man who was shot is a religious Jew who was wearing a skull cap. It was very obvious he was Jewish. Then several people living on Manor Road woke up to find that swastikas had been painted on their homes. The homes had a mezuzah outside, so it was obvious that Jewish people lived there.”
Friday night saw a string of swastika vandalism resulting in four reports, including from Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, a Chabad leader who discovered the Nazi symbol spray painted in black on his home’s white wall as he left for synagogue the next morning with his two young daughters.
“We will continue to live as proud Jews here in Bournemouth … I want to encourage everyone to do exactly the same,” Alperowitz said. “This is not the Bournemouth I know. Bournemouth is a kind, beautiful place and I feel this is still the truth for the vast majority of people here.”
Other members of the Jewish community came to assist the rabbi with removing the graffiti.
“[The] good news is that by the time you’re watching this video our wall will have been cleaned, thanks to some amazing people from the community, who came around to help clean it,” Alperowitz said.
Author Dov Forman wrote that “on Saturday morning, my friend Rabbi Benzion Alperowitz of Bournemouth Chabad walked outside to find a swastika on his home. Antisemitism is alive on our streets, yet it is too often excused and ignored. But it will not break us. We will continue to live proudly as Jews.”
Law enforcement has reportedly stepped up patrols in the town’s Jewish neighborhoods which include an estimated 2,000 people.
On Monday, the Community Security Trust (CST), an organization focused on monitoring antisemitic threats in the UK, released a statement saying that it was “appalled by a series of anti-Jewish hate crimes in Bournemouth over the weekend. These are abhorrent acts of racism that are deeply distressing for the Jewish community and should alarm everybody. We are supporting the local Jewish community and working with Dorset Police to assist their investigation. We urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact the police and CST.”
CST released a report of antisemitic incidents in the UK during 2024, finding 3,528 — the second highest ever — showing an 18-percent decrease from the all-time high of 4,296 in 2023.
Earlier this month, CST released a separate report noting the group recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the UK from January to June of this year. It marks the second-highest total of incidents ever recorded by CST in the first six months of any year, following the first half of 2024 in which 2,019 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the aftermath of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel.
“These hateful attacks on people and property in Bournemouth are extremely concerning. We have been informed that the police are investigating and hope that the perpetrators will be arrested and face the full force of the law,” Andrew Gilbert, vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said in a statement.
Maurice Michaels, who served as rabbi at Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, said that the community felt “very pressurized and anxious.” He added, “We’re getting terrified calls from people across the UK asking, ‘Is this really happening in Bournemouth?’ I’d never go out wearing my usual skull cap, I don’t show outward signs of being Jewish. I know community members who have even removed their mezuzah from their front door.”
Michaels described the antisemitic crimes as “a measure of what’s going on across the country, demonstrations where people cover their faces. They don’t want to be recognized because they know what they’re doing is wrong. We do the best we can to secure our safety. But when people attack our homes, when they shoot pellets — it gets to a point where it’s no longer a manageable situation. We’re frightened.”