TORONTO โ Conservative Member of Parliament Roman Baber confronted individuals who threatened and attempted to disrupt a public Hanukkah lighting in Toronto, using the moment to warn of what he described as two tier policing and unequal protection for Jewish community events. Video from the scene shows Baber standing firm as tensions escalated, drawing significant attention across social media and within the Jewish community.
The incident occurred during a public Hanukkah celebration attended by Jewish families, community leaders, and supporters. According to Baber, the gathering faced intimidation and attempted disruption that would not be tolerated at other religious or cultural events. He said the situation highlights a growing double standard in how authorities respond when Jewish Canadians are targeted.
โJewish Canadians should not be expected to tolerate harassment and threats simply because the intimidation is framed as political expression,โ Baber said in remarks shared following the incident. He added that law enforcement must apply the law equally and ensure that Jewish religious celebrations are protected in the same manner as all other faith-based events.
Baber, who was elected as a Conservative MP in the most recent federal election, has been an outspoken voice on civil liberties, public safety, and antisemitism. He has repeatedly warned that anti-Israel activism increasingly crosses the line into direct hostility toward Jews, particularly at public events tied to Jewish identity and religious observance.
Video footage from the Hanukkah lighting shows Baber directly addressing individuals who appeared intent on disrupting the ceremony. Witnesses said slogans were shouted and attempts were made to intimidate attendees before Baber intervened and called out what he described as selective enforcement by authorities.
Jewish advocacy organizations say the incident reflects a broader trend. Bโnai Brith Canada has reported a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents across the country, including harassment at synagogues, schools, and public celebrations. The organization has repeatedly warned that inconsistent enforcement emboldens those who target Jews under the guise of protest.
โHanukkah is a celebration of religious freedom and resilience,โ said one Toronto community leader who attended the event. โThe fact that a peaceful holiday lighting can face intimidation underscores how normalized antisemitism has become.โ
Police have not released a detailed public statement addressing the specific confrontation. Law enforcement agencies have stated generally that they aim to balance the right to protest with the need to maintain public safety. Critics, including Baber, argue that this balance is often applied unevenly when Jewish events are involved.
Security experts note that intimidation at Jewish gatherings has increased since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Former justice minister and human rights advocate Irwin Cotler has previously warned that antisemitism today is frequently masked as political speech while resulting in real-world harm to Jewish communities.
Baber has linked the issue to broader concerns about public trust in institutions. โWhen Canadians see the law applied selectively, confidence in public institutions erodes,โ he said. โThat erosion is dangerous for any democracy.โ
Supporters praised Baber for confronting the situation directly rather than addressing it after the fact. Several Jewish organizations described his actions as a meaningful show of solidarity at a time when many community members feel increasingly vulnerable.
The Toronto incident reflects similar tensions in other Canadian cities, where Hanukkah celebrations and Jewish community events have faced protests, vandalism, or intimidation. Organizers have repeatedly questioned why demonstrations are permitted in proximity to religious observances.
As Hanukkah continues, Jewish leaders are calling for clear and consistently enforced standards that protect religious freedom while preventing harassment and intimidation. They stress that celebrating Jewish holidays publicly should not require confrontation or personal risk.
Kudos to the brave MP @Roman_Baber, who courageously called out two-tier policing and stood tall against those terrorists who threatened him and wanted to disrupt the Hanukkah lighting in Toronto. We need more courageous politicians who walk the talk. In the shadow of theโฆ pic.twitter.com/ZL5nYdgshR
— Salman Sima (@SalmanSima) December 14, 2025
