Full Breakdown
Toronto Mayoral Forum Highlights Antisemitism Concerns Amid Mayor’s Absence
By Drooid · · How we work
The Forum and Mayor’s Non-Attendance
On Tuesday, a mayoral forum on antisemitism and community safety was held at a North York synagogue. Organized by the Jewish Lawyers of Canada, the event let candidates outline strategies for tackling hate-motivated incidents and protecting Jewish institutions. Incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow did not attend. Her campaign team said her official campaign does not begin until September 9, when she is expected to launch her re-election bid.
Candidates’ Positions on Antisemitism and Public Safety
Brad Bradford, city councillor, opened by criticizing Chow’s absence and stressing that municipal leadership must “show up.”
Chris Alexander, former federal cabinet minister, highlighted his “fresh eyes” from federal and diplomatic service and linked international security challenges to local safety, asserting that municipal leaders must set the tone for Canada’s response to hate.
Police Safety Plan for the Jewish High Holidays
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced a safety plan ahead of the Jewish high holidays. The plan includes increased “visible and covert” police presence in “strategic areas,” command posts on Bathurst and Sheppard, and deployment of officers with specialized tactical training and access to patrol rifles. Since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, Toronto police have made 573 arrests in connection with hate-motivated incidents and logged nearly 100,000 hours of community engagement through Project Resolute. Officers will also be embedded with the Jewish Security Network, an independent agency run by the United Jewish Appeal.
Official Statements from City Officials
She reaffirmed her commitment to work with the police and community leaders to “stem off hate together.”
Data & Statistics
- 573 arrests linked to hate-motivated incidents since Oct. 7, 2023.
- Nearly 100,000 hours of police engagement with synagogues, schools and community spaces.
- Recent attacks include shootings at two North York and Vaughan synagogues and gunfire at a Jewish-owned bakery chain.
- High-holiday security will be in place for Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 11-13) and Yom Kippur (Sept. 21).
Why It Matters
The forum shows how rising antisemitism has become a central issue in Toronto’s municipal election, shaping candidate platforms and prompting a city-wide police response. The mayor’s decision to delay campaign activities while police ramp up security highlights tension between political strategy and community expectations for immediate leadership on hate-related threats.
What’s Next
- September 9 – Mayor Chow is slated to officially launch her re-election campaign.
- Sept. 11-13 – Enhanced police presence for Rosh Hashanah.
- Sept. 21 – Continued security measures for Yom Kippur.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If your kids go to a faith-based school and it's Jewish, well you've seen it shot up,” — Brad Bradford
- “If the city is not safe, then the city is not free. And that is what I'm going to be laser-focused on, of course, correcting.” — Chris Alexander
- “That means you’ve got to show up,” — Brad Bradford
- “Last night, hundreds of Torontonians came together for an important conversation about antisemitism, public safety and the future of our city. Mayor Chow chose not to be there.” — Olivia Chow
- “We have seen an alarming increase in hate-motivated incidents targeting the Jewish community in Toronto and indeed in cities around the world,” — Myron Demkiw
