A shadow of fear has fallen over Toronto’s Jewish community. For months, they’ve endured a relentless barrage of harassment and intimidation, fueled by anti-Israel protests that have escalated from spirited demonstrations to outright acts of hostility.
Ontario’s solicitor general has now issued a stark demand to Toronto Police: take decisive action. A recent letter, addressed to Police Chief Myron Demkiw and the Police Services Board, doesn’t mince words – the current situation is unacceptable and requires immediate, visible enforcement of hate-motivated offenses.
The incidents are deeply troubling. From mob intimidation at the Eaton Centre to disruptive marches through residential neighborhoods, the atmosphere of fear is palpable. Residents are living with “heightened anxiety,” and a growing sense that the rule of law is eroding with each unchecked act.
This isn’t a new problem. Concerns were raised months ago, yet the situation has demonstrably worsened. The solicitor general’s letter underscores a critical point: repeated incidents without consequences breed emboldened perpetrators and a loss of public trust.
Since the horrific attacks of October 7th, nearly 800 protests have swept through Toronto. What began as expressions of political opinion have, for some, morphed into targeted harassment. Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, community centers, and even schools have become focal points for intimidation.
Activists, often masked, have marched through Jewish neighborhoods, their presence a deliberate attempt to instill fear. Disturbingly, these marches have often occurred under the watchful eye of Toronto Police, who have, until now, resisted calls for stricter intervention.
The boldness of these groups reached a new low on Boxing Day. Activists stormed the Eaton Centre, disrupting the holiday shopping experience with banners, megaphones, and hateful rhetoric, all while calling for the destruction of Israel. The lack of pushback from mall security or the police was striking.
Experts are sounding the alarm. Former diplomats and terrorism analysts warn that Canada’s tolerance of antisemitism is creating a dangerous environment, one that could tragically lead to an attack similar to recent events elsewhere. The potential for violence is no longer a distant threat.
The call for action isn’t coming solely from the solicitor general. A Conservative MP recently urged the Mayor and Police Chief to enforce the law and stop tolerating the hate. The weekly protests, specifically, are seen as deliberate attempts to intimidate and antagonize local residents.
Recent revelations have further eroded public confidence in the police response. A uniformed officer was photographed delivering coffee to activists illegally occupying a highway overpass. A police podcast even featured officers praising the October 7th attacks for allegedly increasing conversions to Islam, and equating criticism of anti-Israel protests with Islamophobia.
The solicitor general emphasizes that the tools for enforcement are already available. The province has provided training, resources, and legislative support. Now, it’s up to police leadership to utilize these tools decisively and hold offenders accountable.
As the city braces for New Year’s Eve celebrations, concerns are mounting that anti-Israel radicals may once again attempt to disrupt the festivities. Organizations like the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs are imploring the police to prioritize public safety and enforce the law, before the situation spirals further out of control.
The message is clear: the time for tolerance of intimidation and hate has passed. The safety and security of the Jewish community, and indeed all Torontonians, depend on a firm and unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.
