Harley Finkelstein, president of Shopify, has expressed deep concerns about the growing antisemitism in Canada, citing repeated public confrontations with anti-Israel protesters.

During a speaking engagement at Montreal’s Startupfest, Finkelstein was verbally attacked by an anti-Israel activist who questioned his support for Israel during the Gaza war.This incident is part of a pattern of harassment targeting visible Jews in public spaces, regardless of the event’s topic.

Finkelstein emphasized that antisemitism has become normalized under the guise of advocacy, with Jewish communities facing disproportionate hate crimes.He highlighted that Jews make up about 70% of religion-motivated hate crimes in Canada despite comprising only 1% of the population.Families are now discussing whether to leave Canada, a possibility unthinkable just five years ago.

Finkelstein remains committed to staying in Canada, advocating for stronger legal enforcement against hate crimes and rejecting the rationalization of antisemitism as political debate.He praised Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s acknowledgment of the issue but stressed the need for tangible action, not just policy changes.

The article underscores the broader societal implications of rising intolerance and the urgent need for systemic change to protect Jewish communities.