Oklahoma – Governor Kevin Stitt reaffirmed Oklahoma’s willingness to welcome Jewish families from Canada amid concerns over rising antisemitism, saying, “You shouldn’t live in fear because of your faith. In Oklahoma, you can practice freely without fear.”
Stitt made the comment while sharing a post about a letter he previously sent to President Donald Trump in which he offered Oklahoma as a destination for Jewish families seeking safety and opportunity amid concerns about antisemitism in Canada.
In his July 22 letter to Trump, Stitt expressed Oklahoma’s “unwavering opposition to antisemitism” and support for Jewish communities facing persecution around the world.
“Reports of increasing violence, intimidation, and discrimination directed at Jewish communities since October 7, 2023, are deeply troubling,” Stitt wrote.
The governor specifically raised concerns about antisemitism in Canada, describing it as particularly disturbing to see such hostility in a Western nation that otherwise presents itself as a bastion of tolerance and civility.
Stitt said Jewish families should not be forced to live in fear because of their faith and told Trump that Oklahoma would be ready to welcome those who lawfully come to the United States in search of safety and opportunity.
“Should Jewish families lawfully come to the United States in search of safety and opportunity, I want you to know that Oklahoma would proudly welcome those who choose to make our state their home,” Stitt wrote.
The governor pointed to Oklahoma’s established Jewish community, particularly in Tulsa, as one reason the state would be prepared to welcome additional Jewish families.
“Oklahoma is blessed with a strong and vibrant Jewish community, especially in Tulsa, that has contributed to our state’s success since before statehood and stands ready to welcome new neighbors,” Stitt wrote.
He added that traditions of faith, family, entrepreneurship and civic engagement would continue to flourish in Oklahoma with the arrival of new Jewish residents.
Stitt’s comments came amid a broader push from Jewish and Christian leaders for the United States to provide a pathway for Jewish Canadians who fear rising antisemitism.
Per reports, more than 50 Christian lawmakers, religious leaders and other civic figures urged Trump to consider immigration options for Jewish Canadian nationals and their immediate family members who face persecution or can credibly demonstrate concerns about their safety because of their Jewish identity or faith.
The proposal did not call for automatic entry into the United States and included continued identity, criminal history, medical and national-security screening.
Tulsa was also identified as a potential destination for Jewish Canadian families. Jewish and Christian leaders in the city have offered to assist with receiving and resettling families who decide to move to Oklahoma.
The Canadian Press previously reported that advocates were encouraging the Trump administration to consider refugee status for Jewish Canadians who felt threatened by increasing antisemitism.
The concerns have also been highlighted by Jewish community organizations and other groups monitoring antisemitic incidents in Canada. Reports have pointed to threats, intimidation and attacks involving Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses and community institutions.
The Forward reported that Tulsa had been working to attract Jewish families concerned about antisemitism, with Canadian Jews among those showing interest in relocating to the city.
Stitt’s letter to Trump came before his Aug. 31 social media post, but his latest comments renewed attention on his offer to Jewish families considering the United States.
The governor also thanked Trump for his leadership in confronting antisemitism and defending religious liberty, saying Oklahoma was prepared to support those efforts.
“Please know that Oklahoma stands ready to support those efforts in any way we can,” Stitt wrote.
While Stitt did not announce a new immigration program or guarantee that Jewish Canadians would be admitted to the United States, he made clear that Oklahoma would welcome Jewish families who lawfully enter the country and choose to make the state their home.
His message centered on religious freedom and Oklahoma’s willingness to provide a welcoming environment for Jewish families who may be seeking safety from antisemitism in Canada.
