Anti-Semitic Hate in Toronto

(Source: Wiki Commons)

In Toronto on November 11th,  a group of four Jewish teens were assaulted “in a Hitler-inspired racial attack.” According to the Toronto Sun, while walking to their Yeshiva to study in the evening, these 17-year old Jewish teens were approached by up to 20 teenage boys. One of the victims noted that they may have been approached because they “stood out…two of us were wearing kippah’s and two fedoras (Hasidic Jewish hats).”

A group of assailants, who were similar in age to the Jewish teens, punched and kicked at least two out of the four Jewish boys. Furthermore, as reported by a video the Toronto Sun published, one of the boys had their glasses broken. During this assault, numerous anti-Semitic comments, including Hitler references, were also launched at the Jewish teens.

Toronto Police are currently investigating this atrocious incident as a “Robbery/Hate Crime.” Additionally, they have managed to take at least one suspect in custody and hope to locate the other suspects. Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders tweeted that the “Toronto Police will not tolerate violence and harassment against anyone.”

In response to this attack, other prominent officials have released statements. The CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, Michael Mostyn remarked “It’s just vile…it’s terrifying that Orthodox Jewish teens would face something as horrific as being beaten and harassed with anti-Semitic slurs. It’s just not right.” Additionally, the mayor of Toronto, John Tory, tweeted out “no one should ever be attacked for their religion. Please help Toronto Police solve this hate crime/robbery investigation that occurred Sunday night.”