It has been a challenging couple of years for both of my homes, Israel and Canada.
The last two years in Israel can only be described as traumatic, painful, and emotionally exhausting. Our leaders created a massive rift in society, leading to increased terror attacks, civic anger over judicial reform, and even anarchy on our holiest day, Yom Kippur. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas unleashed the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust – an act of such unfathomable barbarity that it shattered our very understanding of morality and forced us to confront the darkest depths of human nature and antisemitism. Over 530 days of war later, with 59 hostages still in Hamas captivity and rockets continuing to rain down from multiple fronts, daily life remains a relentless struggle.
While Canada's challenges are nowhere near those faced by Israel, the past few years have also been exhausting and draining for Canadians. Once admired for its robust economy and high living standards, Canada is now facing an alarming decline. GDP growth has fallen behind that of other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries while working Canadians put in longer hours for less output. Business investment is dwindling, government spending is ballooning, and Canada's healthcare system continues to lag behind its European counterparts.
Political instability has only made matters worse. Many Canadians are frustrated with the Trudeau government's approach to mass immigration and what they see as weak economic oversight, contributing to rising national debt. According to the World Happiness Report, Canada has fallen to 18th place – a significant drop from its 5th place ranking in 2011. By contrast, Israel, despite its hardships, still ranks 8th, likely thanks to its strong social support systems and a deep sense of community.
Adding to Canada's uncertainty is the looming trade war with the United States and threats from President Donald Trump regarding Canada's territorial sovereignty. With trade making up two-thirds of Canada's economy – and three-quarters of exports going to the U.S. –Canadians are more worried than ever about their future.
Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who won the race to replace Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party, is expected to call an early parliamentary election for April 28. This election will be pivotal in determining Canada's trajectory, both domestically and globally. Beyond economic stability and national security, it will also shape Canada's role as a leader on major global issues like climate change, human rights, and the Israel-Hamas war.
Trump's recent announcement of a 20% tariff hike, along with his inflammatory remarks about Canada becoming the "51st state," has sparked outrage. Many Canadians have begun boycotting American goods, embracing a surge of patriotism and a "buy Canadian" mentality. While the list of domestic challenges is long, the election will likely revolve around which leader is best equipped to handle the escalating trade war with the US.
Some are also questioning how this election will affect Canada-Israel relations – especially after the Liberal Party pledged nearly $100 million in humanitarian aid and governance support for Palestinians just days before the expected election call. Prime Minister Carney has vowed to protect Canadian Jews amid rising antisemitism, promising to combat the harassment, firebombs, gunshots at synagogues, and violent protests that have targeted Jews since Oct. 7, 2023. Still, many Canadian Jews remain uncertain whether he will maintain unwavering support for the Jewish state – a stance more traditionally championed by the Conservative Party.
To that, I would say: Canada has a long list of urgent problems to address before it can even begin to think about Israel or the Middle East.
As both Israel and Canada navigate their respective crises – one fighting for survival and the other for stability and sovereignty – it's clear the coming months will be defining. For Israel, resilience is a matter of existence in the face of relentless terror and antisemitism. For Canada, resilience must take the form of economic revival, political clarity, and national unity.
Canada's upcoming election isn't just about choosing a leader – it's about deciding what kind of country Canada wants to be. Will it reclaim its former strength and global influence, or continue on a path of decline?
In these turbulent times, one truth remains: a nation's strength isn't measured solely by its economy or politics, but by its people's ability to stand together – in defiance of terror, in defense of sovereignty, and in pursuit of a better future.
Both of my homes, Israel and Canada, deserve nothing less.
