Note for the reader: I’ve highlighted in bold, key action suggestions in my submission. 

I’d like to give huge thanks the police for the work that they are doing. The job they do is difficult but important. This is especially true now given the many large and frequent protests that have been occurring. I am referring to the “pro-Palestinian” protests. These started on October the 8th/2023, one day after the massacre by Hamas terrorists of people in Israel. The rapidity with which these large well organized protests occurred was astonishing. Israelis did not even have time to recover from the shock and grief before protests against Israel began. Celebratory letters praising Hamas were immediately circulated. For instance, York University student unions wrote a letter to the community claiming the October 7th atrocity to be a “glorious act of resistance”. It shocked me to learn that student unions would praise terrorist groups that targeted civilians. It showed a complete lack of empathy for people in the only Jewish and democratic state in the Middle East. Their hateful actions had to have been pre-planned and well funded. It is important to investigate and stop the source of such funding. 

These pro-Palestinian protests as they are being called are  intimidating, especially for people of Jewish heritage. I cancelled some classes after being emailed by a student who felt too unsafe to come to onto the campus. I did not tell my classes why I cancelled for fear of outing and thereby endangering my Jewish students. I myself was scared so I reached out to a colleague at York University. She did not understand at first because  said that not being Jewish it was hard for her to recognize anti-semitism. I had to explain to her, the meaning of some of the chants that were repeated at the protests. For instance “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is an updated variation of what the Arabs would say years ago. They used to bluntly threaten to “ throw all the Jews into the sea”. These are genocidal chants. They indicate an intent to kill every living Jew and to destroy the Jewish state of Israel. Israel is what lies between the river and this sea they are referring to. This actual Arabic language chant when translated is “ from the river to the sea, all the land will be Arab”. Arabic chants used at protests need to be translated. Along with an education on recognizing what anti-semitism is, such translations will help the police discern whether what they are hearing is free speech or hate speech. 

Police need more education about anti-semitism, both Western and Islamic so that they can recognize it. Otherwise it may not be apparent. This knowledge will help them understand what most of the Jewish community feels and needs as it is presently under threat. It will also give guidance on how to best respond. Jewish people have a long history of being persecuted and blamed for every imaginable il. Protests need to be filmed and reviewed to determine whether a crime had occurred unnoticed. It can then be addressed either later or when safe for the officers to do so. Updated training in criminal law with a special focus on hate crime law and its enforcement, may be necessary given that such protests at this scale and frequency is unprecedented. Updating training in municipal laws  can also be helpful since in some situations this may be more applicable.  

Many of these pro-Palestinian protesters cover their faces to hide their identity. This is probably done to avoid accountability for their actions. It may also indicate that they know that they are doing wrong so they may feel shame. Whatever the reason, it is  disturbing and intimidating to be taunted by masked individuals. Laws are needed to prohibit masking during protests. They must not be permitted since they will make those who perform criminal acts such as vandalism difficult to recognize. Laws must be enforced, to protect the public.
  
Protests have been happening near predominately Jewish neighbourhoods. They have been obstructing roadways and the large prayer gatherings are a form of protest and bullying. They prevent people from going about their business without the risk of being hassled.  Obstructions to traffic and public spaces by large groups of protesters should not be allowed,  especially not if their gathering is not legal.  These are not legitimate places for protest. There needs to be clear restrictions as to where people can protest legally. Since many of these protests have happened in places and ways that are threatening a larger well resourced police force is needed to be able to keep the peace. 

For instance, there was a big protest in front of the Mount Sinai hospital. There is no doubt the pro-Palestinian protesters were aware that this is a Jewish hospital. It’s Jewish roots are indicated by the Star of David in its logo visible on the building. When they came with their flags and chants to protest in front of that hospital they were creating an atmosphere of threat. Their rowdy presence made it uncomfortable for those who were working in, staying in or visiting the hospital. I found it upsetting when certain politicians refused to acknowledge the blatant anti-semitism of this protest in front of  the hospital. It may be a good idea for our politicians to get educated about what anti-semitism is. They may have to examine their personal bias to notice what prejudices they are harbouring and encouraging when excusing and dismissing the threat that Canadian Jewish communities are under.  Canadian culture values equal rights for all citizens. Excusing or allowing the obstructive behaviours of pro-Palestinian, mobs further threatens Jewish citizens. Tacitly  condoning harmful actions makes it seem that the rights of the mob is more important than that of law abiding citizens. That is not acceptable.

I’m heading back to campus soon to teach again. I’m nervous about the politically charged environment I will experience while there.I’m sure that many of the students, especially the Jewish ones are too. Today for instance, August 29th there was a group of noisy protesters who descended upon the welcoming tables set up by Hillel at TMU. Their loud megaphone enhanced chants were used to harass Jewish students and prevent Jewish voices from being heard. This drowning out of Jewish and Israeli voices is one of their aims. This was just one tactic they used. When the pro-Palestinian encampments were occupying university grounds, the intention was the same. They tore down Canadian flags and replaced them with Palestinian ones. They showed contempt for the Canadian and democratic values that the Jewish people so proudly uphold. I wonder, if they do not appreciate being Canadian and benefiting from our value systems, should they be here? Perhaps this is a question for immigration rather than the police to consider. 

Much of what has happened since October 7th reminded me of the 1930’s pre-war era in Germany. At that time as well, Jewish voices were denied. Jewish stores were vandalized. Synagogues were attacked. Jewish people were threatened. Then as now, Jewish students and professors were prevented from entering the universities to teach or attend classes. For those Jews who are direct descendants of Holocaust survivors the resemblance to this era is felt strongly. It was a time when Nazis imposed their will on the Jewish population and denied them rights and in many cases life.  A lesser known history is that of Islamic supremacists who also played contributed to the evil of that era. Today, the pro-Palestinians have screamed that they want intifada and Jihad. Are they calling  for that out of ignorance or malevolence?

Those who know the meaning of Jihad, know that the word is used as a call to violence. Those that know the meaning of intifada, remember the massacres perpetrated upon Israelis that came with that call. Today I grieve the loss of the innocent civilians who were murdered in Israel on October 7th/2023. While I do so, I have to be vigilant about my surroundings to a degree that I didn’t before. The police too, need to learn to recognize what hate tactics are being used, what symbols are associated with hate groups and to recognize the hate perpetuating propaganda being used today. They need this knowledge to understand the situation and respond effectively. I know they can do this. I’ve been very impressed by their efforts to support our communities. I’m grateful for the protection they are giving and for the fact that they have reached out to offer us this chance to share our voice. 

With Sincere Thanks to the Toronto Police and the Toronto Police Board

P.S. I’m including an illustration of 1930’s Germany where Jews were prevented from entering Universities with a contrasting one of today’s Pro-Palestinian’s doing the same thing.