Toronto Boosts Police Presence for Jewish High Holidays

Toronto police are implementing enhanced security measures across the city in anticipation of the Jewish High Holidays, citing an "alarming increase" in hate-motivated incidents targeting the Jewish community. Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced Tuesday that the Toronto Police Service (TPS) will deploy increased visible and covert patrols in strategic areas, including Jewish neighborhoods, places of worship, and community gathering spaces. The heightened security plan, revealed ahead of Rosh Hashanah, which begins September 11 and concludes September 13, will extend through Yom Kippur and continue until the anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attack. Task Force Guardian, a unit comprised of officers with specialized tactical training and access to patrol rifles, will be deployed, alongside mobile command posts, including one at Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue. Demkiw stated that the measures are a direct response to a rise in antisemitic incidents, not only in Toronto but globally. "To address this, Toronto police have implemented a range of plans and strategies and deployed additional resources," he said.