U.S.-based program offers exit strategy for Jews fleeing Canada's hate

OTTAWA — With Canada’s explosion of antisemitic hatred prompting many Canadian Jews to consider an exit strategy, one expat is trying to smoothen the transition for those looking to escape south of the border.

Michael Sachs, who moved his family from Canada to the United States earlier this year, helped launch a program designed to assist eligible Canadian Jews consider moving to his new home of Tulsa, Okla.

“When I got here, one of the things I kept hearing was the amount of Jewish-Canadians concerned with the direction Canada is going, and exploring opportunities outside of Canada,” he told the Toronto Sun. 

“This is not us trying to coach or recruit people, or Jews, from Canada … every family has to make their own calculations and weigh their pros and cons — but there are obstacles to immigrate to the U.S.”

Canada no longer safe for Jews, community fears

Shortly after the Oct. 7 2023 terror attacks — which saw Palestinian terrorists inflict a campaign of murder, kidnapping and sexual assault against Israeli men, women and children — far-left and Islamist activists launched a coordinated and organized campaign against Toronto’s Jews.

That has so far consisted of over 800 demonstrations on city streets, vandalizing Jewish-owned businesses, storming malls and stores during holidays to spread their message, and even leading intimidation marches through Toronto’s Jewish neighborhoods — all while city officials and police brass watch on.

And with police and politicians choosing to give anti-Israel activists free reign on city streets, concerns are increasing that Canada’s become a prime target for anti-Jewish terrorism — fears that ramped up after this month’s Bondi Beach massacre in Australia.

As well, according to B’nai Brith Canada, anti-Jewish hatred spiked in 2024 — documenting 6,219 incidents of hatred against Jews in 2024, a 124% increase from 2022. 

North American emigration to Israel at record high-levels

With many Toronto Jews afraid to visit Kosher stores, attend worship services or even outwardly identify as Jewish, many are looking for an exit strategy from Canada’s hatred — either by making Aliyah (immigrating) to Israel or seeking refuge in other countries, including the United States.

Those with one or more Jewish grandparents are entitled to apply for Israeli citizenship under the nation’s Law of Return — legislation guaranteeing that all the world’s Jews have the right to settle in the ancestral homeland of the Jews.

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According to Nefesh B’Nefesh — a non-profit organization that facilitates Israeli immigration from North America — more than 4,100 people relocated to Israel from Canada and the United States in 2025.

That’s the highest recorded number in the past four years, and a 12% increase from 2024.

Program offers pathways to immigrate to Tulsa

Sachs was instrumental in creating the Lech L’Tulsa program, a play on the Hebrew saying Lech Lecha — a command given to Abraham to leave his homeland for an unknown destination.

While moving to the United States may be a tempting option, Sachs stressed it isn’t for everyone.

“(Candidates) must have at least Canadian citizenship — if they have American citizenship, it’s even easier,” Sachs said, who said his own American citizenship made the process easier for him and his family.

Navigating the possibilities of legally emigrating to the U.S., he said, is why the program also facilitates consultations with immigration lawyers.

Rebekah Kantor-Wunsch, Tulsa Tomorrow’s executive director, said the program doesn’t sponsor work visas or offer shortcuts through bureaucracy — but instead provides a pathway for families looking for a safe and dynamic community in which to live.

“It’s easier, logistically, to help relocate people who can already legally live and work here,” she said.

“We know that there’s a Canadian interest to seek opportunities in the US, and we are here for you.”

Relocation funding for those who qualify

Tulsa, she said, is quickly becoming a hub of entrepreneurship — focused on attracting businesses and remote workers, and has a vibrant and close-knit Jewish community.

Lech L’Tulsa is operated by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa and Tulsa Tomorrow — a program designed to increase Tulsa’s growth by creating opportunities for young Jewish families to relocate there.

For those who quality, Lech L’Tulsa will match Tulsa Tomorrow’s (US) $2,000 relocation reimbursement for Canadian families who move to Tulsa — (US) $4,000 total — as well as provide immigration law support.

For those interested in learning more about the program and the city, the program also offers opportunities to visit Tulsa.

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
X: @bryanpassifiume