Toronto’s Jewish community is reeling after just-released Toronto Police Service (TPS) data confirmed that Jews remain the most targeted group for hate crimes in the city, accounting for 40% of all reported hate-motivated incidents in 2024, despite making up less than 4% of Toronto’s population. The TPS 2024 Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report revealed a record 443 hate crimes last year, marking a 19% increase from 2023 and a staggering 203% rise since 2014.
Of the 177 antisemitic incidents documented, the vast majority involved acts of mischief, but Jews were also subjected to threats, harassment, and intimidation, often in broad daylight. Nearly half of all hate crimes occurred on public streets and transit, with educational institutions and businesses also frequently targeted. The brazenness of these attacks has fueled a deep sense of fear and unease within the Jewish community, prompting Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center CEO Michael Levitt to warn, “That the majority of hate crimes occur out in the open tells us that people feel emboldened and unafraid to commit such acts. We are facing a crisis that should concern everyone and demands immediate and sustained action from all levels of government, law enforcement, and civil society.”
The spike in antisemitic incidents follows the October 7 Hamas massacre, which triggered an 80% surge in hate crimes citywide, according to TPS Board Chair Sandy Murray. Jewish homes, schools, synagogues, and businesses have faced vandalism, threats, and even violence, including firebombings and shootings, while public demonstrations and campus encampments have created an atmosphere of intimidation and exclusion for Jewish and Israeli-Canadian residents.
Despite police making 115 arrests for hate-motivated offences in 2024, an 83% increase from the previous year, the Jewish community continues to demand stronger enforcement and decisive leadership to confront this wave of hate. As antisemitism reaches historic levels in Toronto, Jewish leaders and allies are calling for immediate, concrete action to ensure the safety and dignity of the community.