Police ban anti-Israel protesters from Toronto Jewish neighbourhood

After months of lobbying from the Jewish community and escalating antisemitic violence, Toronto police are moving to restrict anti-Israel demonstrators from residential areas near Bathurst and Sheppard, the heart of the city’s Jewish community.

“Due to the changing security landscape in Toronto in recent weeks, including increased volatility and heightened fear in our communities, demonstrations moving into residential neighbourhoods in the Bathurst and Sheppard area presents an unacceptable risk to public safety,” Stephanie Sayer, a police spokesperson, said in a statement to National Post.

“As a result, demonstrators will not be permitted to enter residential streets in this area.”

Sayer called it a “measured step to reduce the risk of escalation and maintain public safety,” and noted legal protests on main streets in the area will be allowed to continue. Protests have occurred there regularly since not long after the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas.

Three prominent Toronto-based Jewish groups had called for action after three synagogues were targeted by gunfire , and a March 14 incident at Bathurst and Sheppard where anti-Israel protesters held signs that dehumanized Jews and promoted hate-inciting antisemitic rhetoric.

“Our community has consistently refused to accept the normalization of intimidation on residential streets in the heart of a heavily Jewish neighbourhood,” B’nai Brith Canada said Monday in a social media post lauding the police policy change.

“Around Bathurst and Sheppard, residents, families, seniors, students and community institutions have been forced to contend with repeated demonstrations in spaces where people should be able to live, walk, pray, and gather in peace.”

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, another of the Jewish groups that had called for change, said Monday on social media it was “a meaningful step – but it must be matched with consistent enforcement and protection for our community.

“We won’t let up.”

In her statement, Sayer said officers will provide “clear direction,” and anyone who doesn’t comply will face possible arrest for obstructing police.

“The Toronto Police Service facilitates lawful demonstrations while balancing the rights of participants with the safety of the broader public,” she said.

In early March, days after the U.S. and Israel launched their attacks on Iran, Temple Emanu-El in North York was hit with gunfire in what police called a “targeted incident.” Less than a week later, two more Greater Toronto-area synagogues — Thornhill’s Beth Avraham Yoseph and Shaarei Shomayim in North York — were also hit by gunfire. Several Jewish-owned businesses had also been shot at around the same time. A few days later, the U.S. consulate became the target.

CIJA has highlighted an internal Integrated Threat Assessment Centre report that found Jewish Canadians are facing a “heightened violent extremism threat environment ” due to the Middle East conflict.

• Jewish groups decry signs 'reminiscent of Nazi incitement' at Toronto demonstration
• 'Completely normalized': MP condemns anti-Israel protest in Toronto's Jewish neighbourhood

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