For the past 18 months, Toronto has been plagued by an alarming surge in antisemitic violence. Jewish schools have been struck by gunfire, synagogues firebombed, and Jewish neighbourhoods viciously targeted. On Monday, a man was granted bail after being charged with 19 counts of hate crimes, including incitement to genocide, and possessing three loaded handguns.
Throughout the city, our community has been subjected to calls for our destruction, including chants for “Jews, go back to Europe.” Protesters have gone beyond demonstrating outside consulates to infiltrating the heart of our communities, turning their venomous rhetoric into violence against Jewish-owned businesses and institutions. And on Tuesday evening, protestors in downtown Toronto held a pro-terror rally, some flaunting Hamas symbols and uniforms, many blocking residents from accessing their own homes, while harassing and intimidating them.
The intimidation has been relentless, and the protestors have only grown bolder in their actions. This Sunday, Toronto will again fall victim to the annual Al-Quds Day rally. Al-Quds Day, established by Iran’s Islamic regime, promotes the destruction of Israel and the eradication of its people. This rally not only spreads hate and antisemitism but also raises serious national security concerns, particularly after Canada listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity last year.
The rallies, including those here in Toronto, have witnessed violent rhetoric and displays that stand in stark contrast to the values we, as Canadians, hold dear. Messages like “From the River to the Sea,” “Go Back to Europe,” and “Intifada Revolution” have no place in our society. Under Canadian law, advocating genocide, promoting hatred, and inciting violence are criminal offences.
While freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights, they are not without limits. There must be consequences for those who cross the line into hate and violence. The government and law enforcement must act decisively to ensure the safety of all citizens.
That’s why the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has called on the Toronto Police Service to take immediate action, outlining a clear plan, including increasing officer presence, deploying the Hate Crime Unit, and utilizing available technology to monitor and respond to potential hate crimes at the rally.
Our leaders also play an important role in setting the example. Mayor Chow must come out strongly and condemn the upcoming rally—citizens of Toronto are looking to their mayor to clearly set the tone for what’s right and what’s not.
It is worth noting that the timing of Al-Quds Day coincides with a significant delay in the City of Toronto’s effort to introduce a by-law designed to protect vulnerable institutions like places of worship, faith-based schools, and cultural centres. Other cities have already implemented protective measures, such as “bubble legislation,” which creates safe zones to shield institutions from disruptive protests. The City of Toronto must act swiftly to adopt similar measures and strike a balance between the right to protest and the need to protect citizens’ safety and dignity.
Nothing, including conflicts happening globally, justifies antisemitism or violence. Every Canadian—no matter their background—deserves to live in safety, free from intimidation and violence.
We urge all levels of government and law enforcement to address this threat that Al-Quds Day represents with the utmost seriousness, implement strong security measures, and safeguard our neighbourhoods.
