What to know
- Toronto police are increasing security around Jewish institutions and neighbourhoods ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
- The measures include increased visible and covert patrols, command posts, officers embedded with the Jewish security network and the deployment of Task Force Guardian.
- Police say 573 arrests and 1,398 charges have been made since Oct. 7, 2023, in connection with demonstrations, protests and hate-motivated offences.
- The city and police are also expanding hate-crime resources, community engagement and counterterrorism efforts, with enhanced security planned through the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks.
Toronto police are increasing their presence around Jewish institutions and neighbourhoods ahead of the High Holy Days, as officials warn of an alarming rise in hate-motivated incidents targeting the Jewish community.
Chief Myron Demkiw and Mayor Olivia Chow outlined the heightened security measures Tuesday, ahead of Rosh Hashanah, which runs from Sept. 11 to 13, and Yom Kippur on Sept. 20 and 21.
Demkiw said Toronto Police Service will deploy both visible and covert officers in strategic locations, with officers embedded alongside the Jewish security network in the coming weeks.
Command posts will also be established in key areas, including near Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue. Task Force Guardian, made up of officers with specialized tactical capabilities, will also be deployed.
The service’s newly created Counterterrorism Security Unit will work with partners including the RCMP on intelligence related to potential threats.
The measures come as Toronto police report a significant increase in hate-motivated incidents targeting Jewish residents and institutions.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, police have made 573 arrests and laid 1,398 charges connected to demonstrations, protests and hate-motivated offences, Demkiw said.
Under Project Resolute, police have also logged nearly 100,000 hours engaging with community members at synagogues, schools and other Jewish community spaces.
The heightened security will continue beyond the High Holy Days, with an enhanced police presence planned around the anniversary of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks.
“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,” Demkiw said.
Chow said the measures are necessary because Jewish Torontonians are facing threats that should not be part of everyday life.
“Jewish Torontonians should not need police presence to go to a synagogue, or a community centre, or simply to live proudly Jewish in our city,” she said. “But they do.”
The city has also introduced safety grants for faith-based institutions and launched public education campaigns aimed at combating hate.
Police have also expanded their Hate Crime Unit to investigate major incidents, including recent shootings targeting synagogues in North York.
