Increased Police Presence Over Jewish High Holy Days

The Toronto Police Service will increase its presence across the city as members of the Jewish community prepare to observe Rosh Hashanah from September 11 to 13 and Yom Kippur on September 20 and 21.

Chief Myron Demkiw, joined by Mayor Olivia Chow, announced that both uniformed and plainclothes officers will be deployed in strategic locations. Command posts will be established in key areas, including Bathurst St. and Sheppard Ave., while officers will work closely with the Jewish Security Network.

“This is always an important time of year for the Jewish community, and I want the community to know that Toronto Police will have an increased presence, both visible and covert, in strategic areas to help keep people safe,” Demkiw said.

Task Force Guardian, whose officers possess specialized tactical training and capabilities, will also be deployed. The Service’s Counter-Terrorism Security Unit continues to work with the RCMP and other partners to assess relevant intelligence and protect the public.

The enhanced security measures come amid what the Chief described as an alarming increase in hate-motivated incidents targeting Jewish communities in Toronto and elsewhere. Since October 7, 2023, Toronto Police have made 573 arrests and laid 1,398 charges in connection with demonstrations, protests and hate-motivated offences.

Through Project Resolute, officers have also spent nearly 100,000 hours engaging community members at synagogues, schools and other community spaces.

“After the High Holy Days, we will maintain an enhanced presence through the anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks to help ensure the safety of our communities,” said Demkiw. “We encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity or suspected hate crimes to police so that we can respond appropriately and investigate them properly.”

Over the past few months, there have been a number of high-profile incidents in the news. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting at Salsa on St. Clair and charged with first-degree murder.

Suspects were arrested in connection with the firearms discharges at the U.S. Consulate. A seventh and an eighth suspect were arrested and charged with wilful promotion of hatred in connection with antisemitic signs displayed during a demonstration at Bathurst and Sheppard in March.

“These are only a few examples, but the message here is clear,” Demkiw said. “If you engage in criminal behaviour, we will find you, we will arrest you and we will lay charges against you. Our members have been busy this summer keeping people safe, and they will continue their excellent work throughout the fall and beyond, as they always do.”

Chow said Jewish Torontonians should be able to observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur without fear or the need for police protection.

“In this moment of emboldened antisemitism, Jews, Jewish institutions and even Jewish neighbourhoods are being targeted,” she said. “It is despicable.”

Chow said the city is supporting the Toronto Police Service’s heightened security measures while continuing to fund safety grants for faith-based institutions and anti-hate public education campaigns.

“As your mayor, let me be clear that the City of Toronto stands with you against antisemitism,” she added. “We will continue to invest in keeping communities safe and strong and will take action until every Torontonian can practise their faith without fear.”