Canada is experiencing a state of intense anxiety due to anti-war protests related to the war in Gaza, resulting from the escalating violence between the pro-war and anti-war camps. This has caused a rise in protests across all Canadian cities opposing the war, as well as the Canadian government's fear of increased violence within the country between Jews and Arabs.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service warned of escalating violence within the country.

The agency indicated that the Israeli aggression against Gaza has led to a sharp increase in violent rhetoric "from extremist elements," which may drive some in Canada to resort to violence.

This statement comes at a time when recently released documents clarify the discussions that took place last fall between the intelligence agency, the Federal Public Safety Department, and Muslim and Jewish leaders regarding the reported increase in hate crimes resulting from the conflict.

Spokesperson Eric Balsam wrote: “Although it is not easy to predict the long-term effects of the current crisis, it is clear that this conflict has heightened tensions within our community.”

He added, “There has been an increase in violent statements from extremist elements since the attack on October 7, and as the conflict continues, these events may influence some individuals' intentions to mobilize for violence.”

The role of the intelligence agency is to monitor and identify any threats and alert the government. Balsam clarified that this does not include legitimate protests and opposition protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The documents disclosed to the press and media in Canada include summaries of discussions held by federal officials separately with Jewish and Muslim leaders regarding ongoing internal disturbances.

One of these documents states that representatives of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service assured all participants that they would continue to monitor threats and look for evidence of plans for attacks.

During their meetings, federal officials listened to concerns from Muslim and Arab leaders regarding public discourse about the war, including what one attendee felt was “silence” from the government on how the situation in the Middle East affects the safety of Palestinians, refugees, and other Muslims living in Canada.

Concerns about freedom of expression were also raised.

The document states that activists receive violent backlash, are described as anti-Semitic, and face various repercussions due to chants like "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," as well as calls for intifada.

The documents illustrate how federal officials consistently heard from Jewish leaders about the necessity for police to take more action to stop “the hate speech expressed at rallies,” particularly pointing to the use of the term “Zionist.”

The document noted that since the vast majority of Jews consider themselves Zionists and believe in the need for a Jewish state, calls to launch attacks against Zionists should be viewed as calls to launch attacks against Jews.