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Hate crime reports continue to rise in Toronto since Israel Hamas war began: Police

Dec. 20, 2023, Toronto, Ont. – Toronto’s police chief says there’s been an ongoing increase in hate crime reports in the city since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October.

Chief Myron Demkiw says there have been 56 reports of antisemitic hate crimes and 20 anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab hate crime reports since Oct. 7.

Demkiw says 53 per cent of all reported hate crimes in Toronto since Oct. 7 have been antisemitic.

Speaking at a Toronto Police Services Board meeting today, Demkiw says the force is continuing its increased presence across the city to ensure the safety of all residents.

Toronto police say they have made 43 arrests and laid 96 charges related to hate crime incidents since the beginning of the war.

The most common charges include mischief and assault.