Man arrested for alleged hateful statements at pro-Israel rally

Toronto police say a man was arrested after allegedly making antisemitic statements toward children and demonstrators at Nathan Phillips Square this past weekend.

Police say the accused attended a demonstration Sunday. That’s when a pro-Israel demonstration saw thousands gather downtown and featured Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as a speaker.

Police arrested a 45-year-old Toronto man on Thursday and charged him with public incitement of hatred and failure to comply with a probation order.

Avi Atalli, who said he organized the event calling for Israeli hostages to be released along with several organizations, told the Star he assumes the arrest was related to “the guy screaming obscenities at the rally.” Atalli added he believes it’s time police and the courts hold people accountable for the things they do and say during protests.

“I’m all for free protest … as long as it’s done the right way, legally, without bothering the public,” he said.

Protest groups Jews Say No To Genocide, Palestinian Youth Movement and Toronto 4 Palestine had already released a joint statement on social media, stating “there is no room for antisemitism in the movement for a Free Palestine.”

The Wednesday post said a counterprotester at the pro-Israel rally voiced antisemitic tropes.

“Antisemitism exists and harms Jewish communities. Anti-Jewish bigotry is born from the same ideologies of domination, fascism and white supremacy that breeds antiPalestinian racism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism and anti-Indigenous racism.”

The three groups added, “We can and must challenge antisemitism within our movement, while not losing focus on Palestine.”

Police have previously said they charged another person, Rebel News personality David Menzies, for allegedly disrupting a group of people protesting at the rally. He’s charged with breach of recognizance and failing to leave the premises when directed under the Trespass to Property Act.

Menzies and Rebel News said that the arrest came about as he was trying to interview demonstrators on camera. Menzies has been arrested multiple times in recent years, including at a pro-Palestinian demonstration where Justin Trudeau was last month.

We can and must challenge antisemitism within our movement, while not losing focus on Palestine.

JOINT STATEMENT FROM PROTEST GROUPS JEWS SAY NO TO GENOCIDE, PALESTINIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT AND TORONTO 4 PALESTINE