Monday, March 18, 2024
So far, 56% of reported hate crimes in 2024 have targeted Jewish people, Toronto police say
Toronto has seen a 93 per cent increase in the number of reported hate crimes since the Israel-Hamas war began compared to the same time period a year earlier, the city's police chief says.
Chief Myron Demkiw told the Toronto Police Services Board on Monday that there have been 989 calls for service related to hate crimes in the 163 days since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched a surprised attack on Israel that subsequently saw Israel invade Gaza.
Over that period, Demkiw said officers have responded to an average of about 157 hate crime-related calls every month.
Police have confirmed 203 hate crimes in that timeframe, resulting in 69 arrests and 173 charges, most commonly for mischief, uttering threats and assault, he said.
"The impact of geopolitical unrest abroad continues to affect people worldwide, including in Canada and right here in Toronto," Demkiw said.
While December and January saw a relative lull in hate-related calls, incidents ballooned in February, according to Demkiw. That month saw a 67 per cent jump over January, he explained.
A total of 84 hate crimes have been reported in 2024 thus far, with 56 per cent of those classified as antisemitic in nature, Demkiw said. February saw the highest number of reported antisemitic hate crimes of any month in the last three years, he told the board.
Comments:
Post a Comment
