CASE report exposes pervasive antisemitism on Canadian campuses, sparks academic backlash

A government-commissioned survey of roughly 900 Jewish post-secondary students across Canada revealed that many have endured verbal attacks, being labelled “evil,” exclusion from research projects and other forms of intimidation linked to perceived Zionist affiliation. The findings, released in early August, were produced by the Association for Canadian Studies and the Metropolis Institute for Canadian Heritage. Shortly after, several Canadian academics who identify as anti-Zionist challenged the report in a Globe and Mail opinion piece, claiming it mischaracterises legitimate criticism of Israel as antisemitism and could curb academic freedom.

The response argues that the reported incidents—such as being called a “Zionist whore,” placed on a “known Zionist” list, or receiving grades tied to political expression—demonstrate a pattern of hostility that goes beyond policy debate. It also notes historical links between anti-Zionist slogans and antisemitic persecution. The article urges universities and policymakers to address the hostile environment highlighted by the CASE report.