In the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East and approaching the one-year mark since the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel, Toronto police vow increased security in Jewish communities and a hard approach to political violence in the city.
Toronto Police Services Chief Myron Demkiw promised increased police presence across the city, in Jewish neighbourhoods and Jewish and Muslim places of worship ahead of anticipated protests.
“As tensions rise around the world and we approach the one-year anniversary of October 7th, we know world events always have an impact here at home. This includes the potential for increased protest activity and acts of violence,” Demkiw said In a statement released by the TPS. “As a result, Toronto residents will notice an increased police presence across the city. This is part of our commitment to ensuring all communities are safe – and feel safe.”
He committed to establishing three mobile command posts stationed in Jewish neighbourhoods. One will be located at Bathurst and Glencairn, another at Bathurst and Sheppard and the third at Bathurst and Finch.
Demkiw said a fourth mobile command post will be deployed to various mosques in Toronto.
The National Council for Canadian Muslims did not respond to True North’s requests to comment.
The police report said there would be an increased presence of both plain clothes and uniformed officers as well as increased patrols of visibly marked police cars.
Demkiw said police will be working with its municipal, provincial and federal partners as well as intelligence services to monitor potential threats and respond to any situation proactively.
“We have enhanced our coordination with these partners and strengthened our intelligence-gathering efforts and our ability to identify and mitigate potential risks,” Demkiw said.
His report went on to explain a rise in hate crimes, particularly against the Jewish community in Toronto, since the deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
“Year-to-date, 350 hate crimes have been reported to our Hate Crime Unit – a 40 per cent increase since this time last year,” he said. “While many different communities have been targeted, the greatest increase has been against the Jewish community, by 69%.
“It’s heartbreaking for the Jewish community that such actions are even required,” Rich Robertson the director of research and advocacy at B’nai Brith Canada told True North in an interview.
He said B’nai Brith Canada is “extremely grateful” for the TPS’ “unwavering commitment” to keeping the Jewish community safe since Oct. 7, including now with the Jewish High Holidays and Oct. 7 approaching.
“The Jewish community in Canada deserves to be able to celebrate its holidays and to mourn the victims of the worst attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, without having to fear for their safety and without having to have our police forces devote an extraordinary amount of their resources to ensuring the safety and well being of our community. It’s a shame that this is required in Canada in 2024.”
The rise of antisemitic instances in Canada has led Jewish community groups such as B’nai Brith Canada and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs to repeatedly call for action at all levels of government and the security community.
Police are encouraging residents to report “any suspected hateful acts” to the police.
“Our expanded Hate Crime Unit continues to investigate every reported instance of hate, including on the ground at demonstrations, to gather evidence and investigate any suspected hate crimes, or hate speech, or signage,” he said. “This includes the presence of flags that promote terrorist organisations, as identified by Public Safety Canada.”
Jewish advocates have also been calling on the government to re-examine the Criminal Code to ban the use of terror flags and symbols in public. However, some Canadian civil rights groups think the laws are sufficient, although underenforced.
“We remind everyone that charges can be laid at any time—whether it’s hours, days, or even weeks after an incident, including those that take place at demonstrations,” Dimkew said in the release. “Since Oct. 7, Toronto Police have made 72 protest-related arrests.”
He said police arrested a woman Monday at Pearson International Airport who was wanted for protest-related offences at two separate demonstrations in November and March, who was attempting to leave the country. Police also took another person, who was wanted by police from a previous demonstration, at a protest into custody Tuesday after spotting them in the crowd.
TPS were not immediately available to comment further on these arrests.
“We must balance the right to assembly with the need to maintain public order and public safety,” the release said. “This is not just for those attending demonstrations but also for the broader community and our officers.”
Police said protests over the last few weeks have become “increasingly confrontational,” resulting in alleged assaults of police officers, including with weapons and physical attacks.
“Engaging in confrontations with law enforcement, obstructing officers in the course of their duties, or resorting to violence is not acceptable and will not be tolerated,” Dimkew said. “Our officers will not hesitate to enforce the law and make arrests where warranted.”
Dimkew called on a joint stance by residents of the city against violence and hate on both citizens and police.
