A chilling question hangs in the air for many Canadian Jews: is Canada still a safe haven? A surge in antisemitism, fueled by events abroad and amplified on city streets, is prompting a difficult reckoning – and for some, a desperate search for an exit.
The catalyst was stark. Following the horrific attacks of October 7th, a wave of organized hatred descended upon Toronto’s Jewish community. Over 800 demonstrations, acts of vandalism targeting Jewish-owned businesses, and intimidation marches through neighborhoods created an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability.
This isn’t simply about protests; it’s about a perceived abandonment. Concerns are mounting that authorities are granting unchecked freedom to anti-Israel activists, raising the specter of anti-Jewish terrorism within Canada’s borders – a fear tragically underscored by recent events overseas.
The numbers paint a grim picture. B’nai Brith Canada documented a staggering 6,219 incidents of hatred against Jews in 2024, a 124% increase from 2022. Everyday life is changing, with many now afraid to openly identify as Jewish, attend religious services, or even visit kosher stores.
Faced with this escalating threat, many are looking towards Israel, claiming their right to citizenship under the Law of Return – a promise of refuge in their ancestral homeland. North American immigration to Israel has reached a four-year high, with over 4,100 people relocating in 2025, a 12% jump from the previous year.
But for those seeking an alternative, a new pathway is emerging. Michael Sachs, a recent Canadian expat now living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, recognized the anxieties of those left behind. He helped launch a program designed to ease the transition for Canadian Jews considering a move south.
The program, aptly named “Lech L’Tulsa” – echoing the biblical call to Abraham to journey to a new land – doesn’t offer guarantees or shortcuts. Instead, it provides practical support, including consultations with immigration lawyers, to navigate the complex process of legally emigrating to the United States.
Sachs emphasizes this isn’t recruitment, but a response to genuine concerns. Each family must weigh the pros and cons, but the program aims to remove obstacles and offer a lifeline to those seeking a safer environment. Having navigated the process himself with his family, he understands the challenges firsthand.
Tulsa, it turns out, is actively courting new residents. The city is experiencing a surge in entrepreneurship and boasts a growing, welcoming Jewish community. The program offers a relocation reimbursement, matching funds from Tulsa Tomorrow, and opportunities to visit and experience the city firsthand.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Jewish Federation of Tulsa and Tulsa Tomorrow, isn’t about offering handouts, but about building a vibrant future. It’s about providing a pathway for families who are seeking not just a new location, but a place where they can feel safe, secure, and free to live authentically.
For many, the decision to leave their homeland is heartbreaking. But as anxieties deepen, the search for safety and security is becoming an increasingly urgent reality.
