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 at Bathurst and Sheppard, far from being peaceful expressions of dissent, are actively designed to intimidate and antagonize residents. Baber’s letter details how these gatherings routinely include threats and disrupt the peace of a quiet residential neighborhood.
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, marching through Jewish neighborhoods in deliberate displays of intimidation.
Baber insists that calls to violence, regardless of the language used, should be immediately met with arrest. He specifically cited the disturbing trend of masked groups attempting to instill fear and disrupt the lawful enjoyment of property within residential areas.
The escalating situation reflects a broader, deeply concerning trend of rising anti-Jewish hate crimes throughout Canada. Experts fear this surge in hatred is creating an environment where an anti-Jewish terror attack within the country is increasingly likely.
Baber highlighted recent policy changes in the U.K., where authorities have committed to arresting protesters who openly support the “intifada.” He argues that the phrase, often dismissed by some, is widely understood as a call to spread violence and carry out terror attacks against Western societies.
He drew a direct parallel to the recent massacre at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Australia, underscoring the potential consequences of unchecked extremist rhetoric. Baber expressed frustration with the lack of accountability, noting a cycle of blame between the mayor’s office, the police chief, and the Crown.
“Enough is enough,” Baber stated firmly. He implores city leadership to take ownership of the crisis and prioritize the protection of Toronto’s Jewish community, demanding a swift and resolute response to the growing threat.
The core issue isn’t a lack of laws, but a failure to enforce them, leaving a community vulnerable and fearful for its safety. The demand for action is not simply about security; it’s about reaffirming the fundamental principles of justice and equality for all citizens.
