When Jaime Kirzner-Roberts opens the latest Toronto police hate crime report, the numbers confirm what she already knows—what her friends, colleagues, and neighbors all know.
177 incidents targeting Jews in 2024. A 40 per cent share of all hate crimes. A small community, just 4 per cent of the city, carrying an outsized burden of fear.
“We are the leading target of hate-motivated crimes by a very, very large margin,” says Kirzner-Roberts, senior director at the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC). “And in per capita terms? It’s even more shocking.”
The report, released this week, shows hate crimes in Toronto rose 19 per cent in 2024, the third consecutive increase, with nearly half driven by religion. Jews were the most frequent victims, followed by the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. For many, the statistics aren’t just data; they’re personal.
“If it hasn’t happened to us, we know somebody it has happened to,” Kirzner-Roberts says.
“Many offences happen without witnesses, without forensic evidence,” the police report admits. But Kirzner-Roberts argues the problem runs deeper:
Yet there are glimmers of hope. Toronto police have worked closely with Jewish groups, developing antisemitism training for officers. The FSWC is pushing for similar education for transit staff, hoping to curb attacks on subways and buses.
But Kirzner-Roberts’ plea is broader: Wake up.
“I hope these numbers finally push leaders, municipal, provincial, federal, to make this a priority.”
Because behind every statistic is a person. A family. A community wondering if they’ll be next.
What’s next?
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“We are the leading target of hate-motivated crimes by a very, very large margin,” says Kirzner-Roberts, senior director at the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC). “And in per capita terms? It’s even more shocking.”
The report, released this week, shows hate crimes in Toronto rose 19 per cent in 2024, the third consecutive increase, with nearly half driven by religion. Jews were the most frequent victims, followed by the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. For many, the statistics aren’t just data; they’re personal.
“If it hasn’t happened to us, we know somebody it has happened to,” Kirzner-Roberts says.
Graffiti, vandalism, and the challenge of justice
Most anti-Jewish hate crimes fall under “mischief”, a bland legal term masking the ugliness of swastikas scratched into synagogue doors, cemeteries defaced, and schools tagged with slurs. Of 148 such incidents reported last year, only 10 led to charges.“Many offences happen without witnesses, without forensic evidence,” the police report admits. But Kirzner-Roberts argues the problem runs deeper:
- Masked offenders exploit post-COVID reluctance to enforce anti-disguise laws.
- Weak prosecutions leave hate crimes with the lowest charge rates in Canada.
- Political inaction means repeat offenders face little deterrence.
Neighbourhoods on edge
The worst-hit areas? 52 Division (north Toronto, home to many Jewish families) and 32 Division (downtown, including the islands). Public transit saw an 88 per cent spike in hate crimes, graffiti doubling, assaults up by a third.Yet there are glimmers of hope. Toronto police have worked closely with Jewish groups, developing antisemitism training for officers. The FSWC is pushing for similar education for transit staff, hoping to curb attacks on subways and buses.
But Kirzner-Roberts’ plea is broader: Wake up.
“I hope these numbers finally push leaders, municipal, provincial, federal, to make this a priority.”
Because behind every statistic is a person. A family. A community wondering if they’ll be next.
What’s next?
- FSWC is lobbying for tougher hate crime laws and mask bans during offenses.
- Toronto Police are expanding outreach but stress evidence hurdles.
- Advocates urge citizens to report incidents—even "small" acts of vandalism.
