Jewish Leaders Back New Security Director Amid Rising Antisemitism

Local Jewish leaders are expressing strong support for the recent appointment of William Sagel as the regional community security director for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This decision, announced by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, comes at a crucial time as antisemitic threats increase across Canada, impacting local communities significantly.

Rabbi Carnie Rose, senior rabbi at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, endorsed the move, highlighting his personal experiences with antisemitism since moving to Winnipeg. He recounted situations where he faced hostility during rallies advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants. “People were shouting out some pretty not-nice things about Jews and Israel… that the Nazis should have finished the job,” Rose stated. His concerns echo those of many within the Jewish community, which has increasingly sought enhanced safety measures.

The necessity for such a role has been underscored by a rise in antisemitic incidents within the region. In particular, recent events have heightened safety concerns, such as the discovery of antisemitic graffiti in Charleswood. A 19-year-old suspect, initially charged with 26 counts of mischief, now faces additional terrorism-related charges for his involvement in a group classified as a terrorist organization.

“Unfortunately, a role like this is needed in today’s world, but it reflects the reality that Jewish communities everywhere are facing,” said Jeff Lieberman, president and CEO of the Jewish Foundation of Winnipeg. He emphasized the importance of being proactive in safeguarding the community, ensuring that Jewish individuals can gather without fear.

Statistics from Statistics Canada reveal troubling trends: of the 1,343 hate crimes motivated by religion in 2024, approximately 68 percent targeted Jewish communities. In Winnipeg specifically, 57 percent of all hate crimes were directed at Jews, with 25 out of 26 religiously motivated incidents targeting this group. Gustavo Zentner, vice-president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Manitoba and Saskatchewan, noted that Jewish Canadians are 25 times more likely to experience a hate crime compared to the general population.

In response to these alarming figures, community leaders have engaged with local law enforcement. Recently, representatives met with the executive branch of the Winnipeg Police Service to address the surge in antisemitism and the need for decisive action against hate crimes. “Decisive action is required to send a clear message that hate will not be tolerated,” Zentner asserted.

Moreover, community representatives have communicated with Gary Anandasangaree, the federal Public Safety Minister, discussing the need for increased funding through the Canada Community Security Program. “A government’s top priority is to protect its citizens,” Zentner stated, urging all levels of government to ensure the safety of communities and hold perpetrators accountable.

Despite a slight national decrease of four percent in hate crimes targeting Jews in 2024 compared to the previous year, Lieberman acknowledged that the threat remains significant. “We’ve seen a rise in antisemitic incidents and threats,” he remarked. The community’s goal is to adopt a proactive stance rather than a reactive one, and the hiring of Sagel is a critical part of this strategy.

Sagel, who brings over a decade of experience in security and risk management, will officially commence his role on December 1. In his position, he will assess the security infrastructure throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan, oversee event security planning, and coordinate staff training.

“Every community is different, and part of William’s role will be to identify what’s unique to Winnipeg and how we can best strengthen our approach,” Lieberman explained. The Federation envisions Sagel as a key figure within a national framework that leverages established security programs from cities like Montreal and Toronto.

This collaborative effort aims to build a comprehensive security program tailored to the needs of the local Jewish community, reflecting their realities and aspirations for a safe and supportive environment.