A pro-Israel event in Toronto was violently disrupted by anti-Israel activists, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the city following controversial remarks by the mayor.
A pro-Israel gathering in Toronto descended into chaos on Wednesday when anti-Israel activists stormed a private venue, injuring one speaker and causing significant property damage. This incident occurred just days after Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow faced backlash for her comments regarding “the genocide in Gaza,” remarks that Jewish organizations warned could exacerbate tensions in the city.
The event was organized by the student group Students Supporting Israel at Toronto Metropolitan University and featured Israeli military veterans. Due to safety concerns, the event was relocated at the last minute. Despite efforts to keep the venue secret, approximately 40 masked protesters managed to find the location and force their way inside, breaking glass and attacking attendees.
Israeli-American speaker Jonathan Karten, who splits his time between Israel and New York, was present to discuss his uncle, Sharon Edri, an Israeli soldier who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas in 1996. “As soon as we got there, we were attacked by roughly forty protesters—terrorists, whatever you want to call them,” Karten told Fox News Digital. “Five managed to get into the main room. One had a drill bit. A guy broke through the glass door, I got knocked in the face, and we barricaded ourselves with tables and chairs until police came.”
Karten noted that the protesters appeared to have prior knowledge of the event’s location. “They were waiting for us before we even started speaking,” he said. “It’s not something I assumed would happen in a civilian population in a Western country.”
The violent disruption occurred less than a week after Mayor Chow stated during an event that “the genocide in Gaza impacts us all.” Her comments sparked immediate outrage from Jewish organizations, with Michael Levitt, CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, condemning the language as “shocking and dangerous.” He urged Chow to apologize and clarify that Israel is not committing genocide, asserting that such words “validate hate and normalize the harassment of Jews.”
According to a statement from the Toronto police, a group of protesters entered the private event without permission, damaged property, and instilled fear among attendees. One individual sustained injuries from broken glass during the altercation.
Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the incident, all of whom are scheduled to appear in court in January. A spokesperson for the Toronto police informed Fox News Digital that while antisemitic incidents remain the most frequently reported hate-motivated category in the city, they have seen a 41% decline compared to the previous year.
Despite his injuries, Karten expressed his determination to continue speaking on campuses. “We’re cautious, but not scared,” he stated. “We have to make sure Jewish and Israeli voices are heard without fear.”
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