Al-Quds Day

Since October 7, 2023, Toronto has seen over 400 protests, many of which targeted the Jewish community in Toronto. Because of the temperament of these events Toronto Police Service allocated hundreds of officers at a cost of over $8 million to protect persons and property. The mobs behind these events have targeted synagogues, a hospital with a Jewish history, Jewish-owned stores, individuals who support Israel and Christmas shoppers. They have blocked streets, ambulance routes, the entrance and exits of social and fundraising events, blocked the entrance to the offices of elected officials and sabotaged a state visit by the Prime Minister of Italy and the Prime Minister of Canada in Toronto. Chants have called for the genocide of Jews, and the destruction of Jewish owned businesses. The events are in violation of the City of Toronto Anti-discrimination policy, the City of Toronto Hate-sponsored Rallies policy, and numerous by laws and various provisions of the criminal code. While dozens have been arrested and charged, these hate rallies are growing more threatening and menacing. On or about April 5-6, 2024, an event called Al Quds Day, will take place. This event calls for the genocide of Jews in Jerusalem. The event has opened with a song called "Declare it a Popular Revolution." Keynote speakers include Holocaust deniers, those encouraging attacks on Jews, calling for the destruction of Israel and other hateful rhetoric. In light of months of incitement across Toronto it is expected that this year's gathering could be hateful and violent in the extreme. Questions for the City Manager, City of Toronto. Although there have been dozens, perhaps hundreds of by law violations during these protests since October 7, 2023, there is no indication that any by law charges have been laid. Have any by law infraction charges been laid against individuals participating in protests and rallies since October 7, 2023? If no charges have been laid, what are the reasons by law enforcement is not supporting police services and enforcing City of Toronto by laws? It has been over 4 years since the Hate Sponsored Rallies policy was adopted by Toronto City Council. Despite the city being overwhelmed with hateful protests, there is no indication that the policy has been enforced. What response and enforcement actions have city staff taken under the Hate Sponsored Rallies policy between October 7, 2023, and March 11, 2024. It is expected that this year's Al Quds day gathering could be violent and hateful. What options are available to seek an injunction to prevent the event from taking place or what other measures are available to stop this gathering? What plans are in place to keep the public safe from gatherings of this nature?