Jewish-Owned Toronto Restaurant Becomes 12th Target in Escalating Antisemitic Violence
In a disturbing escalation of antisemitic violence, a Jewish-owned restaurant in Toronto was struck by gunfire early Friday morning, marking the twelfth such incident in a recent wave targeting the Jewish community. The attack occurred as heavily armed Toronto police stood guard at Jewish institutions across the city during the Passover holiday, highlighting the heightened security concerns.
Restaurant Targeted in Early Morning Shooting
Old Avenue restaurant in north Toronto was hit by gunfire around 1:30 a.m. on Friday. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a man crossing Avenue Road and firing repeatedly into the establishment. Additional footage reveals bullet holes in the kitchen door at the rear of the restaurant. This location had previously been targeted last month, along with three synagogues in the Toronto area, indicating a pattern of deliberate attacks.
Israeli Ambassador Issues Urgent Warning
Iddo Moed, Israel's ambassador to Canada, identified the Old Avenue shooting as "the 12th incident of its kind in the latest wave of antisemitism and violence against the Jewish community in Canada." In a social media post, he called on Prime Minister Mark Carney, Premier Doug Ford, and Mayor Olivia Chow to "immediately take necessary measures to thwart this dangerously escalating and ticking threat. Before it is too late!"
Idit Shamir, Israel's consul-general in Toronto, emphasized in her own statement that the restaurant is "owned by a prominent and activist member of the Jewish community," making the attack non-random. She described it as part of "a growing and dangerous pattern of antisemitic violence" that requires enforcement and deterrence rather than mere statements of concern.
Police Deploy Task Force Guardian for Passover Protection
Toronto police had previously announced the establishment of "command posts" for Passover, focusing on 12 synagogues and Jewish institutions, as well as three other locations on Bathurst Street—home to much of the city's Jewish population—and sites in downtown Toronto. Before the Old Avenue incident, police released video showing officers carrying heavy weaponry outside Jewish community sites.
Deputy Police Chief Frank Barredo explained in a police-released video, "This is what we are calling Task Force Guardian, a protective effort, a reassurance effort for the community." He added that the visible police presence is "not at all meant to alarm" but to protect and deter potential bad actors, acknowledging their existence while aiming to prevent further violence.
Broader Context of Rising Antisemitism
The recent antisemitic violence in Toronto prompted Israel's President, Isaac Herzog, to hold a virtual meeting with members of the city's Jewish community on March 9. Herzog referenced the December 14 attack on a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, which killed 15 people, and other antisemitic attacks since Hamas's October 7, 2023, assaults on Israel.
Herzog stated, "All eyes are on Canada: it's time to halt the unprecedented wave of Jew-hatred that has erupted ever since October 7th." This sentiment underscores the global concern over the surge in antisemitic incidents, with Canada becoming a focal point due to the frequency and severity of attacks.
Community Impact and Calls for Action
The repeated targeting of Jewish individuals, businesses, and institutions is creating a climate of intimidation in Toronto. Jewish leaders have warned of Iran-inspired terror threats following synagogue shootings, and Ambassador Moed has previously described Canada as "one of the centres of antisemitism, globally." The ongoing violence highlights the urgent need for effective measures to ensure community safety and combat hate crimes.
As Passover continues, the heightened police presence serves as a stark reminder of the threats facing the Jewish community. Authorities and community members alike are calling for decisive action to address this escalating crisis before further violence occurs.
