Honourable senators, once again, a Jewish community centre in my hometown of Montreal has come under violent attack, this time with a Molotov cocktail. This latest attack occurred at the Jewish Community Council of Montreal just after midnight on Monday. Thankfully, no one was present at the time, and damage is said to be minimal.

This is just the latest attack targeting the Jewish community in Montreal following several shootings a couple of weeks ago. The rise in anti-Semitism in my hometown and, indeed, across Canada and around the world is frightening, and the repeated violence and attacks on the Jewish community are despicable and indefensible.

We must all join our voices together in condemnation of these acts. Otherwise, we must recognize that in remaining silent or, as some parliamentarians have done, delegitimizing Israel’s right to defend itself and falsely accusing them of war crimes, we are sending a message that it is open season on Jews in Canada and around the world.

Words matter, as so many of you have pointed out on so many occasions. We are sending a similar message of tacit approval when the authorities in this country allow calls for intifada and chants of “Death to Jews” on our streets to go unchecked.

Colleagues, if anti-Zionism isn’t anti-Semitism, then why are Jewish businesses, Jewish community centres, Jewish schools being attacked in response to the war between Israel and Hamas?

It must end. I hope all of you agree with me that when we say that everyone deserves to feel safe, especially in their homes and in their work, that also includes Jewish people. All Canadians, including Jewish Canadians, deserve to feel safe.

Thank you, colleagues.