Policing and hate in Toronto: finger-pointing overshadows action

The columnist reports that many Jewish residents say rising antisemitic incidents in Toronto have not been met with decisive police action, and municipal and provincial officials have publicly traded competing accounts while the Toronto Police Board has called for a legal review of protest and hate-crime rules.

Toronto has seen recurring pro-Palestinian demonstrations and mounting tension around those gatherings. The article reports that many Jewish residents feel targeted and that hate-motivated incidents in the city increased in 2024. Municipal leaders and police officials have exchanged differing public accounts about arrests and legal guidance. The Toronto Police Board recently moved to seek a review of the legal framework governing protests and hate crimes. Reported developments: - Police data for 2024 showed a 19 per cent rise in anti-Jewish hate-motivated incidents, which accounted for 40 per cent of all hate crimes and 81 per cent of religiously motivated crimes in Toronto. - Mayor Olivia Chow said she was told by Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw that an internal legal opinion had discouraged arrests; Chief Demkiw later disputed that characterization. - Ontario Solicitor-General Michael Kerzner issued a public letter urging Toronto Police and the police board to act promptly against what he described as hate-motivated and disruptive demonstrations. - The Toronto Police Board unanimously adopted a motion asking all levels of government to review the legal framework surrounding protests and alleged hate crimes. Summary: The article describes a sense of frustration among Jewish residents over increased reported incidents and perceived inaction by authorities. Elected officials and police leaders have publicly disagreed about operational constraints and legal guidance. The police board has called for a legal review; Undetermined at this time.