TORONTO โ A group of Jewish children was reportedly subjected to antisemitic abuse on a Toronto bus on Monday, according to eyewitnesses and social media accounts. The incident occurred near Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue and has prompted calls from community leaders for a prompt police investigation.
Community advocate Dahlia Kurtz posted an account and an image on social media alleging that the woman on the bus directed slurs at the children, who she said were about 12 years old. Kurtz said the children were called “Kikes” and were told to “go back to the concentration camps.”
Toronto Police confirmed they had received reports of a hate incident in the area and said they were reviewing the matter. A police spokesperson urged anyone with information or relevant video footage to contact the Toronto Police Service Hate Crime Section or the local division. No arrests had been announced as of publication.
Local Jewish community groups expressed alarm at the report and called for heightened vigilance and swift law enforcement response. A representative of a Toronto Jewish communal organization said the allegations underscore ongoing concerns about antisemitism in public spaces, particularly on public transit. The group urged parents to report incidents and to preserve any evidence, such as photos or video.
Community leaders emphasized the vulnerability of children and stressed the need for quick, visible action. “When young children are targeted in public, it sends a chilling message to the entire community,” the leader said. “Authorities must investigate, and transit officials should take steps to increase safety on vehicles and at stops.”
The alleged language used in the encounter, if verified, would meet the legal definitions of a hate incident under Ontario law. Hate incidents of this nature can be investigated by police as hate crimes when there is evidence of motivated criminal behaviour. Police noted that classification as a hate crime requires investigators to determine whether the conduct was motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate against a protected group.
Toronto Transit Commission officials said they take passenger safety seriously and encouraged riders who witness abusive behaviour to report it immediately by using the TTC customer service line or by notifying the bus operator. The TTC recommended that riders try to remain calm, distance themselves from the confrontation if it is safe to do so, and, when possible, record the incident while maintaining personal safety.
Legal experts stressed that public reporting, documentation, and rapid police engagement increase the chances of a successful investigation. They recommended that witnesses preserve any video and the exact times and locations of incidents. They also suggested contacting community legal clinics or organizations that assist hate crime victims for guidance on next steps.
Advocacy groups noted that recent months have seen a rise in public reports of antisemitic incidents in several Canadian cities. They urged municipal and provincial authorities to strengthen outreach, education, and enforcement measures. Suggested measures include targeted outreach to school communities, enhanced transit security, and partnerships between law enforcement and community groups to encourage reporting.
Families and schools were reminded of resources available to support children who experience trauma from harassment. Mental health and victim support organizations can provide counselling and guidance for parents and children affected by targeted abuse.
Anyone who witnessed the Bathurst and Finch incident or who has video or other evidence is asked to contact Toronto Police at their non-emergency line or to submit a tip to the Hate Crime Section. Individuals may also reach out to local Jewish community organizations for assistance in reporting and support.
This article is based on verified information from eyewitness accounts, including a social media post by Dahlia Kurtz, statements released to social media by local Jewish community organizations, and communications from the Toronto Police Service and the Toronto Transit Commission.