Most Jewish university students report experiencing antisemitism on Canadian campuses
A government-commissioned survey of 900 Jewish students found more than two-thirds say their universities don't take antisemitism seriously and that campuses aren't safe for Jewish students.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The vast majority of Jewish university students across Canada experienced or witnessed antisemitism on campus, according to a government-commissioned survey released this week.
Before the federal government terminated the role of special envoy on antisemitism, the last person in that position commissioned a survey of 900 Jewish university students about their campus experiences. The Association for Canadian Studies oversaw the survey, conducted in November and December 2025, with respondents recruited through Jewish university groups.
More than two-thirds of respondents said their university does not take antisemitism seriously and that it is not a safe place for Jewish students. One-fifth reported experiencing physical violence directed at Jews on campus. Many students reported hiding their identity because they felt targeted or unsafe.
A group of Jewish academics is calling on the federal government to require universities to enforce existing codes of conduct more rigorously and improve their recording of discrimination incidents. The calls come as campuses across Canada continue to grapple with the fallout from October 2023 and ongoing tensions around the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The survey findings underscore a broader concern about campus safety that extends beyond antisemitism, though the targeting of Jewish students has drawn particular scrutiny in recent years.
By the numbers
How many Jewish university students were surveyed?
900 Jewish university students across Canada participated in the survey, which was commissioned by the federal government and conducted in November and December 2025.
What share of Jewish students said their campus isn't safe?
More than two-thirds of respondents said their university does not take antisemitism seriously and that it is not a safe place for Jewish students.
What proportion of students reported physical violence?
One-fifth of respondents reported experiencing physical violence directed at Jews on campus.
