TORONTO — A Toronto Sun poll of nearly 3,000 readers found that 95 percent believe organizers of pro‑Hamas rallies should be held financially responsible for their policing costs, the newspaper’s publisher reported on X June 29.
The poll reflects increasing frustration in Toronto, where police have spent nearly $20 million responding to protests related to the Israel‑Hamas conflict, including poor crowd control and public disorder.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw revealed that the force incurred $19.5 million in 2024 under “Project Resolute,” which backed heightened policing for demonstrations, including overtime payments of $8 million.
Warren Kinsella, political commentator and former Liberal strategist, highlighted the organizational backing behind pro‑Hamas rallies, tweeting that “95 percent of close to 3,000 respondents believe that organizers of pro‑Hamas rallies should pay for the cost of policing their oftentimes hateful and law‑breaking demonstrations.”
Critics argue the measure is a reasonable response given that some rallies have led to vandalism, traffic disruption, and heightened tensions in the city’s Jewish neighborhoods.
The poll results align with civic concerns over the financial burden of protest policing. City councillors and law enforcement have previously suggested cost‑recovery models for events requiring elevated security. The proposal would hold organizers accountable for municipal expenses in cases where rallies escalate beyond peaceful protest.
Jewish community leaders welcomed the poll findings. “It is entirely fair that those who stage rallies espousing extremism and hatred contribute to the public cost of policing,” said Alan Shefman, Executive Director of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, in a statement to The Canadian Press. “Toronto taxpayers should not be footing the bill.”
This article is based on verified information from the Toronto Sun, Toronto Police reports, Warren Kinsella’s public commentary, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.
Can someone explain to me why radical jihadist supports on the streets of Canada who are not only supporting known terrorist entities, but allowed to intimidate and harassing the Jewish community. Would this be allowed if instead of Pro-Hamas groups they were White Supremist harassing people of color ? Mayor Chow has let this go on long enough and must step up and show some leadership, that no community in Toronto or Ontario will be harassed based on race, color or ethnicity!!