Justin Trudeau is partying while anti-Semitism consumes Canada’s cities

Justin Trudeau dancing at a Taylor Swift conference
Justin Trudeau was seen dancing at a Taylor Swift conference while riots were breaking out in Montreal - @sahmd9/tiktok

Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, experienced horrific rioting last week. Violent protestors, including pro-Palestinian, pro-Hamas and anti-Nato activists, smashed windows, clashed with police officers, and set vehicles ablaze, while there were reports of heinous anti-Semitic incidents. The mayhem went on for several hours, and led to the arrest of three people.

Canada has experienced some large-scale protests in the past, including during the 3rd Summit of the Americas in Quebec City in 2001 and just before the 2010 G20 summit in Toronto. Those demonstrations were largely linked to the anti-capitalist and anti-globalisation movements. Now, the situation is far more sinister. Anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiment created scenes in Montreal reminiscent of what has recently occurred in major European cities such as Amsterdam.

What was Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau’s immediate reaction? Nothing. He apparently had (ahem) a very important social engagement that evening: a prized ticket to the Taylor Swift concert in Toronto.

No, I’m not joking about this.

Photos and videos were posted on social media that showed Trudeau singing, dancing and trading friendship bracelets. He seemed to be surrounded by mostly teenage girls at the concert – and also appeared to be acting like one.

X/@laurenilissa13

Putting aside the PM’s lousy taste in music, his initial non-reaction to the violence on Montreal’s streets was disgraceful. It was the sort of hateful and violent behaviour that a leader should immediately respond to and condemn. Not because he or she can specifically do anything in that moment, but because it’s the right thing to do. (He finally got around to issuing a statement on November 23, a day after the riot).

Justin Trudeau wore friendship bracelets at the concert
Justin Trudeau wore friendship bracelets at the concert - @sarahelizabth13/x

Moreover, Trudeau has represented the Montreal-based riding of Papineau since 2008. It was therefore incumbent on him to say something – anything – about the lawlessness and hatred that occurred in his own political backyard.

A formal statement could have been released while Taylor Swift was performing. A brief interview could have been arranged to provide his instant reaction. He could even have left the Toronto concert at any time due to the gravity of the situation in Montreal – or not attended to begin with.

But the situation is made worse by Trudeau’s approach towards tackling the dangerous rise in anti-Semitism in Canada more generally. At some points, it has veered shockingly close to appeasement.

Pro-Palestinian protestors were seen marching through Montreal
Pro-Palestinian protestors were seen marching through Montreal

Indeed, some noticeable cracks in the Liberal government’s relationship with Jews and Israel have appeared over the years. The absence of any specific mention of Jews in the plaque for Ottawa’s National Holocaust Memorial in October 2017. Largely abandoning Canada’s support for Israel at the United Nations since 2019. Honouring a Nazi in parliament in September 2023. Backing a non-binding UN resolution in December 2023 that called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza, in effect suggesting that Israel should give up its fight to dismantle Hamas and rescue the hostages. Condemning anti-Semitic attacks against Jewish homes, schools and businesses on occasion, but doing next to nothing to stop this racist behaviour from festering and spreading.

In the most recent example, Trudeau suggested that Canada would comply with the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant. “We are one of the founding members of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice,” Trudeau told reporters on November 21. “As Canadians, we will abide by all the regulations and rulings of the international court.”

Sorry, prime minister, but no country is obliged to follow without question the diktats of a foreign court accused of heinous anti-Israel bias.

President Joe Biden flat-out rejected abiding by these warrants for his remaining time in office. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who has close political ties to Donald Trump, issued a stern warning to any ally that chooses to enforce them: the US will “crush your economy”.

Justin Trudeau should take a cue from Canada’s closest friend, ally and trading partner. Put down your dancing shoes, grow a pair and do something to stop the spread of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments in our country.


Michael Taube, a columnist for the National Post, Troy Media and Loonie Politics, was a speechwriter for former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper