Trump Supports Plan for Jewish Canadians Facing Antisemitism to Relocate to the U.S.

<p>Jewish Canadians facing rising antisemitism may have President Donald Trump's support for an expedited legal pathway into the United States. Trump shared a report on the plan on Sunday with his followers on Truth Social, highlighting the appeal as Christian lawmakers and religious leaders urge his administration to act due to a "disproportionate" number of antisemitic incidents in Canada.</p><p>Jason Rapert, founder and President of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL), stated that he wants Trump to address Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney directly regarding perceived "roadblocks" to recognizing the plight of Jewish Canadians who fear for their safety. Rapert mentioned that over 2,000 Jewish Canadians have expressed interest in relocating.</p><p>The NACL and its partners have requested Trump to direct the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to create "lawful, secure, and appropriately expedited pathways" for Jewish Canadians and their immediate family members facing persecution or credible fears for their safety.</p><p>In a letter to Trump, Rapert and former U.S. ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, along with more than 50 state legislators and religious leaders, emphasized that America has historically served as a refuge for those fleeing religious persecution. They urged that this door remains open for Jewish Canadians in need.</p><p>Rapert noted that recent data indicates Jewish Canadians are targeted at a disproportionately high rate, with community reporting reflecting thousands of antisemitic incidents across Canada. He highlighted concerns about families questioning their ability to safely send their children to Jewish schools or openly practice their faith.</p><p>Canada has reported nearly 7,000 antisemitic incidents in a population of approximately 41 million, while the U.S., with over 342 million people, has reported fewer than 6,300 incidents. Rapert described the situation in Canada as a significant problem.</p><p>Following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks on Israel, Jewish Canadians have expressed increased interest in relocating due to safety concerns, harassment, and violence against Jewish institutions and families.</p><p>Rapert sees urgency in proposing a plan that would utilize existing refugee, humanitarian, and visa authorities to facilitate movement for those in need. Prime Minister Carney has acknowledged a severe rise in antisemitism in Canada, stating that the country has failed to adequately protect its Jewish community.</p><p>Carney mentioned that antisemitism has surged to levels not seen since World War II, with more than two-thirds of religion-motivated hate crimes recorded in the previous year targeting Jewish Canadians, who represent about 1% of the population. He cited various violent incidents against Jewish institutions and individuals.</p><p>The NACL letter called for coordination with state and local governments, Jewish organizations, churches, nonprofits, and employers willing to assist families in establishing new lives in the U.S. Rapert emphasized the moral obligation to stand with Jewish friends facing persecution.</p><p>Oklahoma has been identified as a potential destination, with Jewish and Christian leaders in Tulsa offering to assist Canadian Jewish families, and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressing willingness to welcome those who legally enter the U.S.</p><p>According to the letter, these families would contribute talent, faith, family values, and entrepreneurship to the nation that offers them safety and religious liberty.</p><p><em>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</em></p>