Torontonians will notice an increased police presence throughout the city in the coming days, Chief Myron Demkiw says, in advance of the one-year anniversary of the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.
After months of protests and demonstrations in Toronto, officers will have three command posts set up in Jewish neighbourhoods, the chief said at a Wednesday morning news conference, as well as a fourth mobile command post that will be stationed at various mosques across the city, on top of smaller command vehicles also being deployed.
“Let me be clear: Hate has no place in Toronto, and we stand united in protecting our diverse communities,” Demkiw said. “We know emotions are intense, and as demonstrations continue, we must balance the right to assembly with the need to maintain public order and public safety.”
Monday will mark one year since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
Demkiw said police are working with municipal, provincial and federal partners to monitor any potential threats stemming from the anniversary and are organizing plainclothes and uniformed officers, as well as patrol cars, to be dispatched across the city to address the potential for increased protest activity and violent acts, amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw outlined plans to increase patrols and implement mobile command posts ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel.
The chief also said police will also continue ensuring safety at demonstrations while balancing the right to assembly and expression.
“We must stand together as a city and violence and hate — whether directed at each other or the police — is not the solution,” Demkiw said.
Police have made 72 arrests at protests, Demkiw says
Police say in the year to date, there have been 350 alleged hate crimes reported in Toronto — a 40 per cent increase since this time last year — with the greatest increase in alleged hate crimes against the Jewish community, which are up by 69 per cent.
Since Oct. 7, police have been present at over 1,500 demonstrations across Toronto, he said, on top of proactive visits to schools, places of worship and community centres. Officers have made 72 protest-related arrests, according to Demkiw.
“As tensions rise around the world, and we approach the one-year anniversary of Oct. 7, we know world events always have an impact here at home. This includes the potential for increased protest activity and acts of violence,” Demkiw said.
The deadly Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023 saw 1,200 people killed and more than 250 people taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.
Israel’s ensuing war against the militant group has devastated Gaza, displacing most of its 2.3-million population and killing more than 41,600 people, according to Gaza health authorities.
Premier Doug Ford touched on the issue at an unrelated news conference Wednesday, saying he is in support of police and sees the increased officer presence as necessary.
“Oct. 7 was an absolute tragedy. I think everyone in the world wants peace,” Ford said.
York police also upping patrols
A renewed surge in violence in Gaza comes as Israel begins a ground operation in Lebanon, saying its paratroopers and commandos are engaged in intense fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah. The conflict follows devastating Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah’s leadership.
The premier also commented on Hezbollah Wednesday, saying he is “not a fan to say the least” of the terrorist organization.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow spoke at the same news conference, where she said she understands the “painful and grim” anniversary will weigh heavily on some people in the city.
“People will be out gathering to express their emotions,” she said. “We live in a democratic society — but hate has no place in our society either.”
Much like Toronto, York Regional Police also said in a statement Wednesday that the force will be deploying two command posts and additional patrols in advance of Oct. 7.
Officers are conducting increased patrols near faith-based institutions, schools and community centres, the force said, on top of command posts that will be operational between Oct. 4 and Oct. 8.