Toronto Students Confronted by Protesters at Event Featuring IDF Veterans
Students holding a pro-israel event in Toronto were confronted by demonstrators on wednesday, resulting in several arrests, according to Canadian media reports. The event, organized by the Students Supporting Israel (SSI) group from Toronto Metropolitan University, featured participation from Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) veterans.
Originally scheduled to take place on campus, the event was moved to a nearby private venue after organizers were denied a room at the university. Footage circulating on social media shows masked protesters chanting “Free Palestine” and,in one instance,shattering a glass door.
According to footage released by SSI, students attempted to block the demonstrators from entering the venue by barricading doors with furniture. Despite thes efforts, protesters eventually gained access to the building. Toronto police confirmed multiple arrests were made and an inquiry is ongoing.
“We will continue to pray and do good,” stated Rabbi Joe Kanofsky of the local community, following a separate incident where the Shaarei Torah Congregation synagogue was vandalized – marking the tenth such incident in the past year and a half. Police are currently pursuing the individual responsible for smashing the synagogue’s windows.
Ilan Sinelnikov, founder of SSI, spoke to the Jerusalem Post regarding the event and the challenges faced in securing a venue.
Additionally, a film screening related to the October 7th attacks was cancelled at a Toronto festival.
