Violent Protest Disrupts Toronto Jewish Student Event, Five Arrested
Masked protesters stormed an Israeli speaker event after Students for Justice in Palestine called to "shut it down," resulting in shattered glass, injuries, and multiple arrests.
A private gathering hosted by Jewish students at Toronto Metropolitan University descended into chaos Wednesday when masked protesters stormed the venue, smashing glass doors and leaving attendees injured in what authorities are investigating as a potential hate crime, according to The Canadian Jewish News.
The off-campus event, organized by TMU’s Students Supporting Israel group, featured Israeli soldiers speaking about their experiences in Gaza. Shortly before the program began, demonstrators forced their way into the building at 49 Elm Street in downtown Toronto, shattering glass and causing at least one person to bleed from injuries.
Dramatic video footage shared on social media captured students barricaded inside a room as a glass door exploded around them. “We held a peaceful event — and it turned into absolute chaos,” Students Supporting Israel wrote on Instagram. “Broken glass, blood everywhere—all because we’re Jewish and tried to have an open conversation.”
Toronto Police confirmed five arrests in connection with the incident, with charges including forcible entry, unlawful assembly, obstruction, and assault of a peace officer. The accused, ranging in age from 21 to 29, are scheduled to appear in court in January. Deputy Chief Rob Johnson told the Toronto Police Services Board that one protester assaulted an officer attempting to make an arrest, and additional suspects remain outstanding.
Prior to the violence, Students for Justice in Palestine at TMU had posted urgent calls on Instagram directing followers to the venue, describing the Israeli speakers as “war criminals” who would “never be welcome in our communities.”
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from Jewish organizations and intensified scrutiny of campus safety protocols. Rabbi Aaron Greenberg, who was present during the escalation, criticized what he called “weak leadership” at universities. “When you don’t take a strong stance, this is what happens,” he said.
TMU issued a statement expressing “deep concern” about the violence, emphasizing that “acts of aggression, intimidation, or violence are unacceptable.” However, the university noted the event was neither sanctioned by TMU nor held on campus property.
The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center called the attack “a wake-up call” about escalating antisemitism. “This shocking act of antisemitic violence reflects the escalating climate of intimidation facing Jewish students on Canadian campuses,” said president Michael Levitt.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw addressed the attack as part of a disturbing trend, noting the city has seen rising antisemitic incidents over the past two years. The Hate Crime Unit continues reviewing evidence, with additional charges possible as the investigation proceeds.