After months of advocacy from the Jewish community and rising antisemitic incidents, Toronto police are taking steps to limit anti-Israel protests in residential areas around Bathurst and Sheppard, which is at the center of the city’s Jewish population.
“In light of the recent changes in security conditions in Toronto, including increased unrest and growing concern within our communities, protests moving into residential neighborhoods near Bathurst and Sheppard pose an unacceptable risk to public safety,” Stephanie Sayer, a police spokesperson, said in a statement to .
“Therefore, protesters will not be allowed to enter residential streets in this area.”
Sayer described it as a “measured step to reduce the risk of escalation and ensure public safety,” adding that lawful demonstrations on major roads will still be permitted. Protests have been happening regularly since shortly after the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas.
Three leading Jewish organizations based in Toronto had urged action following gunfire targeting three synagogues and an incident on March 14 at Bathurst and Sheppard where anti-Israel demonstrators displayed signs that dehumanized Jews and spread hate-filled antisemitic messages.
“Our community has firmly opposed the normalization of intimidation on residential streets within a predominantly Jewish neighborhood,” B’nai Brith Canada stated Monday in a social media post praising the police’s decision.
“In the vicinity of Bathurst and Sheppard, residents-families, seniors, students, and community institutions-have had to deal with ongoing protests in places where they should feel safe to live, walk, pray, and gather.”
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), another organization advocating for change, mentioned on social media Monday that this is “a meaningful step – but it must come with consistent enforcement and protection for our community.”
“We won’t let up.”
In her statement, Sayer explained that officers would provide “clear direction,” stating that anyone who fails to comply could face possible arrest for obstructing law enforcement.
“The Toronto Police Service supports lawful protests while balancing participants’ rights with public safety,” she said.
Earlier in March, just days after U. S. and Israeli attacks on Iran began, Temple Emanu-El in North York experienced gunfire in what police labeled as a “targeted incident.” Shortly thereafter two more synagogues-Beth Avraham Yoseph in Thornhill and Shaarei Shomayim in North York-also came under fire. Several Jewish-owned businesses were targeted around this time too. A few days later saw an attack against the U. S. consulate.
CIJA pointed out an internal Integrated Threat Assessment Centre report indicating that Jewish Canadians face a “heightened violent extremism threat environment” due to ongoing Middle East conflicts.
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