Toronto’s police chief says reported hate crimes in the city rose again in February as the city continues to grapple with conflict in the Middle East.
In his regular update to the Toronto Police Services Board, Chief Myron Demkiw said the reported number of hate-motivated crimes rose after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
“It has been 163 days since the Middle East crisis began, and the impact of the geopolitical unrest abroad continues to affect people worldwide, including in Canada and right here in Toronto,” Demkiw said.
He said 24 protest-related arrests have been made since then, with 30 charges laid.
The number of hate-motivated crimes in the city is up 93 per cent compared to the same period last year, the chief said. Police have been called to 989 reported hate crimes in that time.
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In 2024, police said there were 304 hate crime-related calls, compared to 225 during the opening months of 2023.
Reported crimes spiked …