Full Breakdown
Toronto Man Charged After Israeli Flags Set Ablaze Near East-End Church
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Around 1 a.m. on October 7, 2026, a 29-year-old man removed dozens of Israeli flags displayed in front of the Word of Faith International Christian Centre on Sunrise Avenue near O’Connor Drive and ignited them. Toronto police reported that the fire was quickly extinguished by fire crews, and no injuries were recorded. The suspect fled the scene and was later identified while attending a downtown demonstration.
Context and Timing
The arson occurred on the third anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, a date that has seen heightened public attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The church’s location in Toronto’s east end, a residential neighbourhood, amplified concerns that the act was intended to intimidate both Jewish and Christian residents.
Legal Charges and Investigation
Police released a statement confirming that the individual, identified as Syed Raza of Toronto, was charged with four offences: arson, mischief under $5,000, mischief interfering with the lawful enjoyment of property, and disobeying a lawful order of court. Investigators said they linked Raza to the crime three days after the incident, based on surveillance of a demonstration near Dundas and Yonge streets. The charges have not yet been tested in court.
Official Responses
Toronto police classified the incident as a hate-motivated offence and emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. John Ward, pastor of the Word of Faith International Christian Centre, said the congregation would continue to stand with Israel and the Jewish community. A representative of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto described the act as “horrific.” Mayoral candidate Brad Bradford condemned the fire as an act of intimidation aimed at both Jewish and Christian residents, urging the city to reject such behavior.