Canadian Support for Israel Declines While Backing for Jewish Homeland Remains Strong

A new Leger poll reveals that Canadian favourability toward Israel has declined significantly since the outbreak of the Gaza war, yet fundamental support for Jewish rights and Israel's right to self-defense remains robust across the country.

The survey, conducted on behalf of Postmedia between March 27 and 30, sampled 1,618 Canadians aged 18 and older. Results show that only 22 per cent of respondents view Israel favourably, down from 33 per cent in April 2023.

Comparative Views on Nations

For perspective, Canadians expressed more favourable views of China (33 per cent) and Cuba (54 per cent), while Russia and Iran each received only 12 per cent support. The United States matched Israel's 22 per cent favourability rating.

Demographic analysis reveals distinct patterns. Quebecers, women, and supporters of the Liberal Party, NDP, and Bloc Québécois tended to hold less favourable views of Israel than the national average. Conversely, support was highest among men, Conservative voters, and those who rely on family and friends for Middle East news rather than mainstream or social media.

Core Principles Still Supported

Leger noted that opinions remain nuanced, with broad backing for fundamental principles despite lower overall favourability. According to the poll, 80 per cent of Canadians agree that Jewish people have a right to a homeland, while three-quarters believe Israel has the right to defend itself. However, only 66 per cent explicitly stated that Israel has a right to exist.

Age plays a significant role in these attitudes. Among those aged 18 to 34, 69 per cent believe Jewish people have the right to a homeland, compared to 88 per cent among those over 55. Notably, 56 per cent of young adults agree Israel has a right to exist, and 63 per cent support its right to self-defense.

Government Response to Antisemitism

The poll also examined views on government action against antisemitism. A plurality of 39 per cent believes the federal government needs to do more, while only 7 per cent think Ottawa is doing too much. Nearly one-third, 29 per cent, believe current efforts are sufficient.

Liberal voters were disproportionately represented among those satisfied with government action, while Ontarians were most likely to call for increased efforts, reflecting concerns about violence targeting Jewish communities in the province.

Media Consumption Patterns

The survey found that 77 per cent of respondents obtain their Middle East news from mainstream Canadian and international outlets. One-quarter primarily use social media, while 3 per cent follow Al-Jazeera and only 1 per cent rely on Israeli sources.

When asked whether Israel seeks peace with willing neighbours, only 33 per cent agreed. Meanwhile, 52 per cent of respondents said Israel is its own worst enemy.

Broader Context

The findings suggest that despite reduced favourability toward Israel, most Canadians continue to support core principles regarding Jewish rights and self-defense. The results indicate that anti-Israel sentiment, while visible in protests and on campuses, may not represent majority opinion among the broader Canadian public.