A chilling sense of insecurity has gripped Toronto’s Jewish community, as a wave of anti-Jewish extremism escalates with alarming speed. The situation has reached a critical point, prompting urgent calls for decisive action from city officials and law enforcement.
Member of Parliament Roman Baber has directly challenged Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Police Chief Myron Demkiw, demanding they enforce existing laws and cease what he describes as a pattern of inaction and tolerance. His message is stark: the time for finger-pointing is over.
Weekly protests near Bathurst and Sheppard are not peaceful expressions of dissent, according to Baber. Instead, they are calculated attempts to intimidate and antagonize residents, disrupting the peace of a residential neighborhood with overt threats.
The surge in hostility follows the October 7th terror attacks in Israel, unleashing a sustained campaign of harassment and intimidation targeting Jewish individuals, businesses, synagogues, and schools across Toronto. Masked activists, often wearing keffiyehs, have become a common sight, conducting rallies and even marching through Jewish neighborhoods.
Baber insists that calls to violence, regardless of the language used, should be immediately met with arrest. He specifically cited the phrase “Globalize the intifada,” arguing that despite attempts to downplay its meaning, it’s widely understood as an incitement to spread violence and terror globally.
He drew a parallel to recent policy changes in the U.K., where authorities have pledged to arrest protesters chanting in support of the intifada, highlighting a stark contrast in approaches. The lack of similar enforcement in Toronto is deeply concerning.
The escalating situation is not isolated to Toronto. Canada is witnessing a broader spike in anti-Jewish hate crimes, fueling fears that an anti-Jewish terror attack within the country is increasingly likely. The recent massacre at a Hanukkah event in Australia serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences.
Baber expressed frustration with the current dynamic, where responsibility seems to be deflected between the mayor’s office, the police chief, and the Crown. He implores leadership to take ownership of the crisis and prioritize the safety and security of the Jewish community.
The core demand is simple: enforce the law. The Jewish community of Toronto, and indeed all Canadians, deserve to live without fear of intimidation and violence, and expect their leaders to provide the protection they require.
