A recent poll found out that many British Columbians are critical of how the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war and a resurgence of antisemitism is affecting Jewish Canadians.
70% of the respondents feel that breaking up the campus protests and encampments was the correct course of action.
The online survey of the Research Co. revealed that 66% of British Columbians feel that Canadian Jews are being unjustly targeted for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Concerns about nationwide ramifications as a result of the current conflict in Israel and Gaza have increased since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in February, reports The Jerusalem Post.
More than 70% of British Columbians are very concerned or moderately concerned about several issues, including antisemitic attacks such as gunfire and firebombs targeting synagogues, Jewish schools and businesses. Protesters specifically targeting Jewish neighbourhoods and Jewish-owned businesses also raise concern, as well as the increasing prejudice against Jewish Canadians and aggressive behaviour from Pro-Palestinian protestors.
“The perception of antisemitism as a significant issue does not vary greatly by political allegiance,” said Mario Canseco, President of Research Co.
More than half of British Columbians (57%) are familiar with the protests and encampments happening at college and university campuses in Canada and the United States, and 69% think universities were right to rely on the police to eliminate them.
Only 41% of British Columbians think police and governments are doing enough to combat antisemitism in their communities.
Photo credit: Tony Webster / Wikimedia Commons
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