Jewish Students Face Hostility as Canadian Universities Resume

As the academic year begins at Canadian universities, Jewish students are confronting a challenging landscape marked by rising hostility and incidents of antisemitism. Reports indicate a troubling atmosphere at institutions like Concordia University in Montreal, where the student handbook appears to endorse anti-Israel protests, and Toronto Metropolitan University, where masked activists confronted the provost during orientation, demanding she condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza.

On September 3, 2025, a study from the Aristotle Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Calgary, revealed alarming statistics regarding Jewish students’ experiences on campuses. The research found that Jewish students are “four times more likely” than their peers to feel “very reluctant” to express their religious views in class discussions. Approximately 15 percent of those surveyed reported facing daily harassment for their Jewish identity, while 84 percent experienced antisemitism at least once a year.

The situation raises questions about whether there is any hope for Jewish students this academic year. Some individuals are actively advocating for change and resisting the prevailing anti-Israel sentiment on campuses. On a recent episode of The CJN’s North Star podcast, host Ellin Bessner engaged with guests such as Daphne Wornovitzky, a recent graduate from the University of Calgary, and Melanie Trossman, a veteran social worker, who shared their experiences and insights.

During the podcast, Wornovitzky recounted a particularly distressing incident when former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy visited the University of Calgary. Protesters surrounded the classroom, leading campus security to evacuate Jewish students for their safety. Wornovitzky, who felt isolated as possibly the only Jewish student in her program, described how her classmates’ anti-Israel sentiments and comments from professors became increasingly hostile after the October 7 Hamas attack.

Determined to advocate for change, Wornovitzky successfully urged the social work department to adhere to its ethical principles, which emphasize inclusivity and respect for diverse opinions. She hopes her experiences can serve as a model for other Jewish students facing similar challenges in their academic environments.

In contrast, Trossman shared her perspective as a longstanding social worker in Calgary. She recounted her own experiences with antisemitism and highlighted her efforts to promote Jewish representation within the diversity and inclusion framework at her workplace. Her initiatives have yielded positive results, raising awareness and incorporating Jewish identity into discussions about diversity.

Another participant in the podcast, Gdalit Neuman, a PhD candidate at York University, discussed her observations of a growing trend of anti-Zionism morphing into antisemitism within academic circles. Neuman expressed concern about the pervasive anti-Israel rhetoric that has crept into many facets of academic life, particularly in the arts.

As the new academic year unfolds, the experiences of Jewish students at Canadian universities illustrate a complex and often fraught landscape. The challenges they face, from overt hostility to systemic bias, raise significant questions about freedom of expression and the ability to engage in open discourse on campuses.

In light of these developments, Jewish advocates like Wornovitzky are striving to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. While the journey is fraught with obstacles, the commitment of individuals to stand up against antisemitism offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging climate.

The conversation continues as students and faculty work towards fostering dialogue and understanding within their academic communities, navigating the complexities of identity, belief, and acceptance in a rapidly changing world.