Michael Starr
Jerusalem Post, Mar. 9, 2025
“The Toronto Police Service will continue to be a strong partner in the fight against antisemitism and all hate crimes.”
The Canadian government convened a national forum on combating antisemitism in Ottawa on Thursday, according to Public Safety Canada, amid rising anti-Jewish incidents in the country.
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and Justice Minister and Attorney-General Arif Virani met with provincial and municipal officials, law enforcement, prosecutors, and Jewish community leaders to discuss challenges and strategies for addressing antisemitism.
“Today’s Forum is about taking action to stem the rising tide of antisemitism in Canada,” Public Safety Associate Minister Rachel Bendayan said. “Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their own communities. That is why we are taking concrete steps, convening all levels of government, law-enforcement partners, and civil society to combat hate crimes more effectively. No one should have to live in fear because of who they are.”
A statement of intent was signed at the end of the forum and endorsed by several provinces, cities, and police services. It acknowledged the threat that a 71% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2023 poses to Jewish Canadians. The leaders pledged to combat anti-Jewish crimes in a coordinated and focused fashion.
Laws needed to be strengthened, and more federal funding must be allocated to police training, investigations, and response to disproportionately impacted communities, Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw told the forum.
“Today was an opportunity to learn from partners and offer feedback,” he wrote on X/Twitter. “The Toronto Police Service will continue to be a strong partner in the fight against antisemitism and all hate crimes.”….SOURCE