Trudeau Calls Alleged Terror Plot Against Jewish Community ‘Horrifying News’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rises during Question Period, on Dec. 12, 2023 in Ottawa. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has addressed an alleged terror plot against the Jewish community in Ottawa, responding several days after the incident unfolded.

“Hatred and violence against Jewish communities have no place in Canada,” he stated in a Dec. 19 post on the platform X.

The prime minister said that he has discussed the issue with Deborah Lyons, Canada’s special envoy on Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism, regarding the “horrifying news” of individuals planning terror attacks against Jewish people. He emphasized the importance of continuous efforts to combat anti-Semitism in response to the reports.

Mr. Trudeau’s response came days after the RCMP charged an Ottawa youth with terrorism for plotting an attack against the Jewish community in the city, as reported by Global News. The 15-year-old, whose identity cannot be revealed due to his age, was arrested on Dec. 15 and initially faced two charges, including facilitating and knowingly instructing someone to carry out a terrorist activity.

During a brief court appearance on Dec. 18, the Crown introduced three additional charges. Although the court did not disclose the details of the charges at that time, media reports citing a source close to the case said that the youth is now also charged with possessing explosives. The source, citing court information, reportedly indicated the explosives were acetone and an oxidizer.

The RCMP confirmed that the youth is facing three additional charges following the execution of a search warrant. These charges include possession of explosives with intent to endanger life. The police reported discovering materials used for creating explosive substances during the search.

Following reports of the incident, Ms. Lyons commended the RCMP and Canadian security agencies for ensuring the safety of the Jewish community. At the same time, she urged Canadian leaders to ramp up efforts to combat escalating anti-Semitism in the country.

“An attack against Jews is an attack on democratic values,” she wrote in a series of posts on the social media platform X on Dec. 16. “More needs to be done by all [Canadian] leaders to take a stand against antisemitism.”

“History tells us that antisemitism starts with words but often ends in violence,” she added.

Demonstrations

Following the terrorist group Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, several anti-Israel demonstrations have taken place across Canada, with protesters expressing support for Palestine. Simultaneously, a series of threats and actions against Jewish communities have occurred, including the overnight firebombing of a synagogue and Jewish community centre in Quebec on the night of Nov. 6.

On Nov. 15, the Anne and Max Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto, along with a nearby daycare centre, was evacuated following a reported bomb threat received by the police.

MPs have also urged police to ramp up law enforcement after an online video went viral, depicting a pro-Palestinian protester making death threats in front of police officers at the Toronto Eaton Centre on Dec. 17. The video captures a pro-Palestinian rally outside a Zara store that day. A protester, whose face was largely obscured by a mask, can be seen issuing threats toward an unidentified individual, saying “I’ll put you six feet deep,” while police stand by.

Reacting to the video on social media, Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, who is Jewish said “Canadians live in a country where laws are supposed to be followed and police are supposed to enforce the law.”

“Freedom of speech & freedom to demonstrate are important rights but they are subject to reasonable limits, whether on hate speech, threats or incitement,” he said in a Dec. 17 post on X.

Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman also commented on the issue on social media, saying “This cannot become commonplace in Canada.”

“They broke the law with complete impunity. It’s no longer a peaceful protest,” she added.

Isaac Teo and The Canadian Press contributed to this report.