Trump indicates support for Christian-backed plan to help Canadian Jews escape antisemitism

Trump shared a report on the plan Sunday with his millions of followers on Truth Social, amplifying the appeal as Christian lawmakers and religious leaders press his administration to act because of a "disproportionate" amount of antisemitic incidents north of the U.S. border.

The National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL) founder and President Jason Rapert told Fox News Digital from Israel on Sunday morning that he wants Trump to press Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney directly on the perceived "roadblocks" set up against the "quick recognition of the plight" of thousands of Jewish Canadians fearing for their safety.

"We will find out" if Canada is getting in the way of the more than 2,000 Jewish Canadians who have expressed interest in relocating, Rapert said.

"Trump should ask Carney right now," he added. "Canada should be embarrassed and ashamed of these perceived roadblocks. And we're trying to rally leaders to take a stand."

"For generations, America has served as a refuge for people fleeing religious persecution," the group wrote in a letter Thursday to Trump. "We urge you to ensure that, consistent with federal law and the security interests of the United States, that door remains open to our Jewish brothers and sisters in Canada who need it today."

Rapert and former U.S. ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback signed the letter along with more than 50 state legislators, religious leaders and other civic figures, sending it to Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and congressional leaders.

Canada, which recently had a broadcaster reject the use of the word "terrorism" with regard to 9/11 coverage, has reported nearly 7,000 antisemitic incidents in a country of roughly 41 million people.

Jewish Canadians have expressed interest in relocating because of safety concerns, harassment, vandalism, intimidation, threats and violence against Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses, institutions and families following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks on Israel, according to Sachs.

Now, amid Trump's frustration with Canada and Carney, Rapert sees the urgency for a proposal that would use existing refugee, humanitarian and visa authorities to help facilitate movement.

"Canada's civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians," Carney told an audience at Toronto's Holy Blossom Temple in June, saying the country's antisemitism crisis is "specific, severe and demands a targeted response."

Carney said antisemitism in Canada had surged to levels not seen since the aftermath of World War II. More than two-thirds of religion-motivated hate crimes recorded in the previous year targeted Jewish Canadians, he said, despite Jews making up only about 1% of the country's population.

The prime minister pointed to bullets fired at Jewish schools, firebombings at synagogues, attacks on community centers and Jewish-owned businesses and the targeting of Jewish students on university campuses.

The NACL letter urged the administration to coordinate with state and local governments, Jewish organizations, churches, nonprofits and employers willing to help families establish new lives in the United States.

"Antisemitism is a moral evil, and Christians must be willing to stand with our Jewish friends when they face hatred and persecution," Rapert said. "We are asking President Trump and his administration to consider what lawful steps America can take to help Jewish Canadian families who are genuinely concerned for their safety."

Oklahoma has emerged as one potential destination. Jewish and Christian leaders in Tulsa have offered to help receive Canadian Jewish families, while Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has told Trump his state would welcome Jewish families who legally enter the United States, according to a July 22 letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

"They bring talent, faith, family values, entrepreneurship, and a sincere desire to contribute to the Nation that offers them safety and religious liberty," the letter said.

Alex Gray, a former deputy assistant to the president and Chief of Staff of the White House National Security Council (NSC) from 2019 to 2021 during the first Trump administration, says Oklahoma is ready to accept Jewish Canadians.

"Oklahoma has a long tradition of helping those seeking refuge from around the world, most notably after the Vietnam War displaced thousands who fought next to American troops," Gray told Fox News Digital through a spokesperson. "Now, because of Canada's inability or unwillingness to stand up to global anti Semitism, Oklahoma is doing the same."

Another Midwestern red state, Nebraska, is considering joining Oklahoma in the offer, according to a source with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly on the issue.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.