Ottawa Police Classify Stabbing of Jewish Woman, 70s, as Hate Crime Amid Rising Antisemitism

Ottawa police have officially classified the stabbing of an elderly Jewish woman at a Loblaws grocery store as a hate-motivated crime. The incident, which occurred mid-week in a store known for its large kosher section, has led to the arrest and charging of 71-year-old Joseph Rooke of Cornwall, Ontario, with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon. The victim, in her 70s, was treated for her injuries and released from the hospital the same day.

The attack has ignited widespread concern, with Aviva Klompas stating in a social media post, "We warned again and again that words of hate would become acts of hate - and this week, an elderly Jewish woman paid the price." Klompas further noted that the perpetrator's social media was "filled with obsessive antisemitism and venom toward Israel." Authorities have confirmed that Rooke's online presence contained numerous antisemitic and anti-Israel messages.

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the "senseless attack," assuring the Jewish community, "you are not alone. We stand with you against hate and threats to your safety, and we will act to confront antisemitism wherever it appears." Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also expressed distress, stating, "This reprehensible violence has understandably caused significant distress within Ottawa’s Jewish community." Police have increased patrols in areas significant to the Jewish community.

The incident comes amidst a significant surge in antisemitic occurrences across Canada since October 7, 2023. Statistics Canada reported that of over 1,340 religiously motivated hate crimes in 2024, 68 percent targeted the Jewish community. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) highlighted this broader trend, stating, "For two years, we have witnessed the continued normalization of antisemitism in Canada."

CIJA and B'nai Brith Canada have called for urgent and decisive action from all levels of government to ensure the safety and security of Jewish Canadians. They emphasize that condemnations alone are insufficient to combat the spread of violent antisemitism. The attack underscores growing anxieties within the community regarding their visibility and safety in public spaces.