Don’t Cry for Antisemites | CAEF Bulletin - August 7, 2026
- CAEF
- 2 minutes ago
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Legal Update
1. Project Olive Branch: Three Toronto Police Sergeants, Two Constables Referred to Toronto Police Service Professionalism Committee
In March 2025, the Toronto Police Service published on its official YouTube channel the second episode of its "Project Olive Branch" series of videos intended to improve relations between the TPS and Toronto's Muslim communities. The episode featured TPS Constables Farhan Ali and Harron Siddiqui, both of whom appeared in TPS uniforms, sitting at a table bearing the TPS emblem. Constables Ali and Siddiqui were given a prominent profile by the Toronto Police Service, including a photo opportunity with Mayor Chow.
At several points in the episode, the dialogue went seriously sideways. Here's what one of the constables, Harron Siddiqui, had to say:
"…It, it's funny you you say this because, um, you know, through social media, a lot of people after October 7th started learning about Islam. And, and they said, okay, what is it with the religion that everyone, why is it so hated? Yeah. You know what I mean? Why are, why are they being attacked all the time? So people say, you know what, let me learn about Islam. And there have been a lot of reverts. Um, through this whole process. I, I would, I couldn't imagine, like, I, I guess, I guess when you're on social media, most of the feeds come through you. Once you see one, it just keeps You coming. But the amount of people that are, that are reverting to Islam is unbelievable. And, and they're just, um, I guess through education, right? They're actually educating themselves and saying, what is it that Muslims are being, um, targeted? And why are they being targeted? Let me learn about this religion. What are these, what are these accusations that they're saying about Islam? And let me learn about it myself and come to my own conclusion."
Yes, the Toronto Police Service published a public relations video that featured a constable, in uniform, stating that the October 7, 2023 massacres were an opportunity for an "unbelievable" number of people to learn about Islam and then "revert".
CAEF initially wrote to Toronto Police Services Board Chair Councillor Shelley Carroll (who is seeking re-election to Toronto City Council in the upcoming October 2026 election), requesting an opportunity for Jewish community groups to address the Board to describe the impact of this broadcast on the Jewish community and its perceptions of the Toronto Police Service's professionalism and impartiality. We received the response below.
Dear Councillors Cheng and Carroll - I write to you as Vice President of the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation (CAEF). I am also a resident of Willowdale. As you know, and can see from the email below (attached for information only)*, the Jewish community in Toronto is very concerned about the recent videos that have been published as the "Project Olive Branch" podcast. The Chief's apology misses the point. This is not about two officers who made a few remarks that offended Toronto's Jews. The issue is the continuing credibility and public trust in the Toronto Police Service as a whole, to enforce the law and maintain public order and safety without fear or favour. When TPS officers appear on a TPS website in uniform, and make approving remarks about conversions to a particular religion, and describing such conversions in parochial religious terms as "reversions", the credibility of the TPS in maintaining impartiality is necessarily compromised. We are requesting that (a) a discussion of this incident be placed on the agenda of the April 10, 2025 meeting of the Toronto Police Services Board, and (b) we have a call to discuss the agenda item. The public ought to have the ability to depute to the Board and be heard about this incident, and to express their views directly to the Chief and the senior staff of the TPS. The Board needs to supervise the TPS' review of its communication policies and its commitment to political and religious impartiality and neutrality. Very truly yours, R. Michael Teper Vice President Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation |
Urgent Action Required – Officer-Endorsed Extremism Within Toronto Police Service |
Councillor Carroll <Councillor_Carroll@toronto.ca> To: R. Michael Teper <rmichaelteper@gmail.com>, Councillor Cheng <Councillor_Cheng@toronto.ca> — Fri, Mar 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM |
Dear R. Michael, Thank you for your message. The concerns you have raised have been taken very seriously from the outset, and we remain committed to addressing them in a manner that upholds public trust and accountability. As the civilian oversight body for the Toronto Police Service (TPS), the Board is responsible for setting overall policy and direction, ensuring that the Service operates in a way that reflects the values and priorities of the communities it serves. However, the Board does not direct day-to-day operational decisions, which remain the responsibility of the Chief of Police. I do need to clarify that because this matter involves a Human Resources matter concerning identifiable individuals, under legislation we are not able to address it during the public session of the Board. The Toronto Police Service and the Toronto Police Service Board are governed by the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) as well as privacy legislation. That said, I want to assure you that these concerns and the broader issues it raises are being actively addressed. Chief Demkiw and I will both address this matter at the upcoming Board meeting to acknowledge the concerns of the community, outline the work underway to respond, and reinforce our commitment to ensuring that all communications from the Toronto Police Service align with its mandate and responsibilities. Given the depth of feelings in the issues, I honestly believe a broader conversation is needed outside of the formal Board agenda. To that end, we will work to organize separate forums where we can engage directly with community representatives to work through these concerns in a focused and productive manner. I appreciate your advocacy on this issue and look forward to continuing this important dialogue. Sincerely, Councillor Shelley Carroll Budget Chief Chair, Toronto Police Service Board Mayor's Economic Development & Culture Champion Ward 17 - Don Valley North |
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) was also fully engaged on the action:
CIJA — Canadian. Jewish. Advocacy. March 12, 2025 Chief of Police Myron Demkiw40 College StreetToronto, ON, M5G 2J3 Dear Chief Demkiw, I am writing to express concern regarding a recent podcast featuring two members of the Toronto Police Service (TPS) and their sanctioned Project Olive Branch podcast. The TPS has consistently demonstrated its support for the Jewish community, and CIJA appreciates your ongoing efforts in maintaining a presence within our community, collaborating closely with Jewish organizations, community leaders, and other agencies to address the growing concerns regarding antisemitism in Toronto. We were especially grateful for yesterday's message acknowledging the pain of this podcast and your unwavering support for our community. However, while the podcast has since been removed, its creation and uploading raise important questions about the oversight and appropriateness of its content. Specifically, the comments made by Constable Farhan Ali and Constable Haroon Siddiqui lead us to question how such remarks were allowed to be published on an approved Toronto Police platform, with both officers in uniform, without a proper review of their potential impact. The comments in question include: "A lot of people after October 7th started learning about Islam…the amount of people that are reverting to Islam is unbelievable."— Constable Siddiqui "If someone is calling a Palestinian rally a 'Hamas rally,' then all of a sudden people start getting afraid and they think 'oh wow, these are people that support an entity that's been labelled as a terrorist organization.' However, the people that are there protesting, they're there for a different cause altogether, so then that becomes active discrimination—when you classify an entire group with a group that they don't even identify with."— Constable Ali As you rightfully noted, the October 7th attacks in Israel have left the Jewish community in pain and anguish, particularly as the Jewish diaspora faces unprecedented, targeted attacks on our community. While comments about the growth of religion are valid in other contexts, Constable Siddiqui's remarks – connecting this growth to the aftermath of the attack and failing to acknowledge the horrific violence committed by Hamas – are deeply troubling. His comments suggest a positive outcome stemming from the atrocities of that day, an idea that, given the highly politicized nature of the issue and the fact that he is in police uniform, is especially concerning. Similarly, Constable Ali's comments about the criticism of anti-Israel rallies in Toronto being labeled "Islamophobic" are misleading. Over the past year and a half, there has been a significant increase in violence and intimidation directed at Jewish neighbourhoods and communities in Toronto, with protests marked by hateful chants, antisemitic rhetoric, and the brandishing of flags associated with Hamas, a recognized terrorist entity. Constable Ali's comments fail to acknowledge the intimidation associated with these protests, thus misrepresenting the menacing nature of the demonstrations. The fact this podcast was sanctioned by the TPS raises serious concerns that Police leadership may indeed align with these views, further exacerbating divisions between Jewish and Muslim communities in Toronto. O.Reg 402/23, made under the Community Safety and Policing Act (2019) section 5(1)(b), states: A police officer may engage in any political activity if the officer is off-duty and not in uniform, except that the officer may not, a) express views on any issues directly related to the police officer's responsibility as a police officer and; b) associate any of the police officer's views with the police officer's position or represent those views as those of a police service. In this case, both constables expressed personal views on a political issue in a TPS podcast. The community is, therefore, left to question whether the views expressed by Constables Siddiqui and Ali reflect the official position of the Toronto Police Service. If not, why was this podcast uploaded under the TPS banner? Were both Constables Siddiqui and Ali off-duty while recording this TPS podcast? If so, why were they wearing their TPS uniform? If not, are they in breach of the regulation cited above? What process was applied to review this content before publishing, and was it properly followed? This matter is of great concern and requires immediate attention. I strongly urge a formal investigation into how this podcast was sanctioned and allowed to air and into the behaviour of these two constables. We await information as to what necessary and appropriate actions the TPS will take to address this issue without delay. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. Sincerely, Michelle Stock Vice President, Ontario The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, representing Jewish Federations across Canada. |
Source: CIJA on X: "We appreciate @TPSMyronDemkiw apology for @TPS' deeply insensitive podcast that disregards our community's serious and legitimate concerns, particularly about how pro-Hamas rallies continue unabated on our streets and neighbourhoods. But important questions remain about how this..."
Having received the bureaucratic brush-off from Board Chair and Councillor Carroll, CAEF proceeded to file a complaint against the constables with the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency of Ontario.
The complaint was "screened in" and referred to the York Regional Police Service. The investigation was supposed to be completed within 120 days (four months). It took fifteen months.
Law Enforcement Complaints Agency Ontario 655 Bay Street 10th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 2T4 Date: 2025-04-02 Via Email: rmichaelteper@gmail.com Teper, R. Michael Dear R. Michael: Re: Public Complaint: Toronto Police Service LECA Complaint Number: E-202503162047499387 The Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) has reviewed your complaint and determined that is a conduct complaint which relates to your interaction with Officer(s) Siddiqui, Haroon; Ali, Farhan of the Toronto Police Service. Pursuant to section 159(1)(a), the LECA has assigned the investigation of your complaint to the York Regional Police Service. The Chief of the Toronto Police Service, as well as the Chief of the York Regional Police Service, will be provided with a copy of your complaint, and a redacted copy will be given to the Respondent Officer(s). The LECA has asked the York Regional Police Service to attempt to complete the investigation of this complaint within 120 days. Upon completion of the investigation and in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, a report will be sent to the Chief of the Toronto Police Service, and a decision will be made by the Chief based on those findings. Once a decision has been made, you will receive a copy of the investigative report detailing the investigation that was carried out and the conclusions reached; as well as any review options available to you. The LECA will oversee this investigation and will also be provided with a copy of the investigative report. Pursuant to section 169 of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, at any stage of the investigation, a complaint may be informally resolved – in whole or in part – with the consent of the complainant, the respondent officer(s), and the approval of the Complaints Director. This process allows the complainant to share their concerns with and listen to the perspective of the respondent officer(s). This process can build understanding on both sides. Participation in the informal resolution process is voluntary for the complainant and respondent officer(s). A senior member of the police service may facilitate the informal resolution process. Alternatively, the process can be facilitated by qualified neutral third parties or mediators who are independent of the police service and approved by the Complaints Director. The resolution process is subject to the provisions of confidentiality under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019. If the matter is resolved informally, pursuant to section 169 of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, the police service is required to notify the Complaints Director and provide the LECA with a copy of the resolution agreement. While services are encouraged to facilitate informal resolutions of complaints where possible, including the investigative phase, it should be noted that the informal resolution process will not result in an adjustment of the LECA timelines. Any further supporting evidence or documents you wish to submit must be sent directly to the investigator assigned to your complaint. Should our office receive this information, it will be forwarded to the investigator. The investigator will be notifying you directly to advise you of the next steps in the investigative process. Your participation in the investigative process is considered essential. If you would like to check the status of your complaint or would like to find out more about the OIPRD, please visit our website at www.leca.ca. Please use the complaint number noted above to search for a status update on your complaint. Sincerely, On behalf of the Complaints Director Lonnie Ratchford Senior Investigator Law Enforcement Complaints Agency |
On June 27, 2026, Detective Bettina Fong of the York Regional Police advised that the investigation was concluded.
LECA Investigative Report Status Update 3 messages |
Fong, Bettina #1958 <1958@yrp.ca> To: "Fong, Bettina #1958" <1958@yrp.ca> — Sat, Jun 27, 2026 at 12:45 AM |
Hello, I confirm that the Investigative Report for your LECA complaint has been approved on York Regional Police's (YRP) end and the report has been submitted to LECA. In addition, I confirm that the Investigative Report has been provided to the Toronto Police Service (TPS). I cannot speak to the review process from TPS with respect to our findings, however I acknowledge that TPS is responsible for sending the report to you, along with a closing letter. Moving forward, I will endeavour to provide you with a TPS Contact for any further questions that you may have, once those details are made available to me. Respectfully, Bettina Fong Detective #1958 Professional Standards Bureau York Regional Police 47 Don Hillock Drive Aurora, ON L4G 0S7 |
From our prior experience, we knew the Toronto Police Service would not be prompt in releasing this report. So a social media campaign began...
Six weeks later, after CAEF ran out of patience and filed Freedom of Information Requests with both the York Regional Police and the Toronto Police Service, the Project Olive Branch report was finally released.
Conclusion 140. Although Project Olive Branch was created in good faith by RO1 and RO2 as an initiative aimed at strengthening existing relationships with Toronto's Muslim community and enhancing the TPS's ability to respond with compassion and sensitivity, this investigation has determined that RO1 and RO2 nevertheless made controversial and inappropriate statements by publicly expressing personal views on a highly political issue while in police uniform during Episode Two of the Project Olive Branch podcast. 141. The investigation has determined that RO1 and RO2 made statements within Episode Two that were viewed as biased or inappropriate by segments of the public. These perceptions resulted in numerous complaints locally, nationally, and internationally, and gave rise to concerns regarding both the officers' impartiality and the reputation of the Toronto Police Service. 142. Based on the extensive public reporting and awareness of ongoing tensions between affected communities, as well as their professional experience policing within the City of Toronto during a period of heightened demonstrations and community sensitivity, it is reasonable to conclude that RO1 and RO2 ought to have been aware of the potential impact of their comments. Their decision to make such statements while in police uniform and in a publicly released format contributed to a perception that TPS was not maintaining strict neutrality on a highly sensitive issue, thereby undermining public confidence in policing. 143. The investigation has determined that the supervising officers responsible for reviewing Episode Two of the Project Olive Branch podcast did not adequately identify or address the risks associated with the content prior to its release. Although the episode contained discussion of religion, the October 7, 2023 events, and subsequent protests and demonstrations, the supervisors did not flag any portions for removal, revision, or further scrutiny. 144. Furthermore, by failing to identify any concerns with the content, the three supervisors became directly involved in the approval and release of the podcast, including its controversial statements. As approving authorities, they bear responsibility for the content released through official TPS channels, which subsequently generated public concern and criticism regarding impartiality and contributed to perceptions that may have undermined public trust and confidence in TPS. 145. Based on a review and analysis of the totality of the evidence, the investigative findings are that there is sufficient evidence to substantiate misconduct under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, Interactions with the Public, section 10(1), which provides that a police officer shall not conduct themselves in a manner that undermines, or is likely to undermine, public trust in policing. Accordingly, the allegation of misconduct against RO1, RO2, RO3, RO4 and RO5 are all substantiated. Investigator Bettina Fong – Detective Professional Standards Bureau York Regional Police Supervisor/Manager Gregg Bailey – Detective Sergeant Professional Standards Bureau York Regional Police |
Toronto Police Service 40 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. M5G 2J3 (416) 808-2222 FAX (416) 808-8202 Website: www.TorontoPolice.on.ca Myron Demkiw Chief of Police File Number: 2025.OTA-0019 July 22, 2026 R. Michael Teper Email: rmichaelteper@gmail.com Dear R. Michael Teper, Your complaint against the conduct of a Toronto Police Service officer has been investigated by York Regional Police. The final report containing the particulars of the investigation is attached for your information. This report is provided to you in accordance with the legislative requirements of notification pursuant to section 166(4) of the Community Safety and Policing Act. Please note that the confidential information contained in the Report of Investigation is not admissible in a civil proceeding pursuant to sections 181(2) and 213(3) of the Community Safety and Policing Act. I have reviewed the results of the investigation and have made the following decision. Taking into consideration all the information we have received to date, with respect to: Allegation #1, Section 10(1) - A police officer shall not conduct themselves in a manner that undermines, or is likely to undermine, public trust in policing, or in a manner that is disgraceful, improper or unbecoming, regarding conduct by PC Farhan Ali (10126), PC A/S/Sgt. Rich Sidhu (5271), S/Sgt. Michael DeZilva (7904) and S/Sgt. Maggie Mastrokostas (89891) made statements that were biased or inappropriate on a pod cast and did not adequately identify or address the risks associated with the content prior to its release. I find sufficient evidence to conclude that misconduct occurred, under the Community Safety and Policing Act, is substantiated. The matter has been forwarded to the Professionalism Committee for penalty. If you do not concur with my decision, you may request a review of this decision by the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency Director (LECA) within 30 days of your receipt of this letter. Your request for review must be made in writing to the LECA. For more information on how to request a review, you may contact LECA directly at 1-877-411-4773 or through their website at lecareviews@ontario.ca. Regards, Elise Higgitt Elise Higgitt Inspector (7661) LECA Liaison Professional Standards To Serve and Protect - Working with the Community |
CAEF is happy to provide interested persons with a copy of the full report upon request.
The Alliance of Canadians Combating Antisemitism (ALCCA) has published a detailed commentary about the report, written by ALLCA's senior criminal law counsel Rochelle Direnfeld. Access it here.
CAEF will continue to follow up with the Toronto Police Service regarding the proceedings before the Toronto Police Service Professionalism Committee.
As a side note, Constable Ali currently faces a set of criminal mischief and sexual assault charges in an unrelated matter. Toronto police officer facing sexual assault, mischief charges: Peel police | CBC News
2. The Mystery of the Missing Mezuzot
On the night of December 6, 2025, over 20 mezuzot were stolen from the doorframes of residents at 6250 Bathurst St. in Toronto.
This was yet another attack on Toronto's Jewish community, this time targeting a senior's residence. At the time, CAEF along with other Jewish community organizations, stepped in immediately to provide kosher mezuzot to replace the ones stolen in the theft and vandalism attack.
The incident was reported immediately as a potential hate crime to the Toronto Police Service.
Earlier this week, Toronto Police Service Detective Constable Farhad Zamir reported to us that the case is "Parked" with no information to identify any suspects.
Fwd: Hate crime case no 25-2554339 |
Fahad Zamir <Fahad.Zamir@tps.ca> To: R. Michael Teper <rmichaelteper@gmail.com> — Wed, Aug 5, 2026 at 7:14 AM |
Good morning, Sorry for the delay in responding back as we were out dealing with other cases. I had the opportunity to review my investigative notes first thing this morning. After reviewing the CCTV footage provided by TCHC, I did not observe anything that led me to believe that any individual was acting in a suspicious manner. As a result of the video review, I was also unable to identify a Person of Interest or a suspect, nor did I observe anyone leaving the building with the Mezuzahs. Members attached to HCU, along with 32 Division officers, attended the building and conducted a door to door canvass, asking residents if they had seen or heard anything that could assist in identifying a suspect. Unfortunately, this canvass yielded in negative results. Investigators also spoke with TCHC staff members and contractors. However, they were unable to provide any information of evidentiary value. At this time, the case will remain Parked pending new information. Should any new information come to light, or should the investigation resume based on additional evidence, I will ensure to contact you. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns and thank you for your patience. Further to canvassing, officers spoke to the residents and provided them with information in contacting our victim services. I understand the impact that incidents such as this have on both individuals and the community. We will continue to assess any new information received, follow the evidence and lay charges. Have a good day. Regards, Fahad Zamir |
3. Alliance of Canadians Combating Antisemitism (ALCCA) granted Intervenor Status by Court of Appeal in R. v. Bory
Back in January 2025, Leslie BORY of Brantford Ontario was convicted of advocating genocide, public incitement of hatred and two other charges in response several years of vitriolic social media posts that included antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish mind control, control of the media, attempts to overthrow governments worldwide, and gross and repulsive blanket accusations of paedophilia. B'nai Brith Canada described the postings as "truly diabolical in nature." Far be it from us to disagree. Bory has appealed his sentence of three years imprisonment (of which he served no post-sentence custody, having received three years credit for approximately two years of pre-sentence custody).
Bory has also appealed his conviction for public incitement of hatred, arguing that social media is not a "public place" for purposes of Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code. ALCCA, of which CAEF is a proud member, has successfully obtained status as an intervenor in the upcoming appeal, meaning that ALCCA will be permitted to file a legal brief ("factum") with the Court and make verbal submissions. Here are a few extracts from the Court of Appeal's ruling:
ii. Submissions of the moving party [12] The ALCCA seeks leave to intervene in the Crown's appeal against acquittal only (COA-25-CR-0439). It seeks leave on its own behalf, as well as on behalf of four partner organizations whose interests it also proposes to advance in its intervention: the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation, B'nai Brith Canada, and Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center. [13] The ALCCA intends to make submissions on a single issue: whether s. 319(1) requires proof, as a matter of law, that the incitement of hatred took place through the communication of statements in a physical location. They have filed a draft factum, which I have reviewed. [14] Their proposed submissions will address the following arguments and issues: (1) R. v. Marakah, 2017 SCC 59, [2017] 2 S.C.R. 608, which analyzes the "place" where electronic communications such as text messages occur, strongly supports, if not compels, the conclusion that "public place" includes an electronic space accessible to the public. (2) The broad definitions of "communicating" and "statements" extend beyond statements communicated at a physical place attended by the public; absurd consequences flow from a contrary interpretation. (3) There is an absence of statutory language compelling proof of "immediate danger" or "an immediate causal relationship" between the incitement and a likely breach of the peace. [17] I am also satisfied that the ALCCA, and the groups on whose behalf it seeks leave to intervene, are well-recognized groups with expertise on these issues. [18] In my view, this intervention turns on whether the proposed submissions are sufficiently distinct from those of the appellant Crown so as to be useful. They are. [19] The Crown deals with the alleged "public place" error briefly, in only three paragraphs, arguing that so long as the statements are accessible by the public, the forum in which they are accessible is irrelevant. The balance of the Crown's submissions deal with their sentence appeal and Mr. Bory's sentence appeal, neither of which involves the "public place" interpretation issue. [20] The ALCCA's proposed submissions, by contrast, deal with this statutory interpretation issue in detail and suggest analytical frameworks from other contexts that the panel could rely on in considering this issue. They therefore do not seek to expand the issues. Nor are they proposing arguments that duplicate the arguments already made by the parties; instead, they have a different perspective on the existing issue and their contributions are likely to assist the panel in approaching the issue. [21] I am satisfied that the intervention is appropriate. I order that the ALCCA be permitted to intervene on the following terms: (1) The ALCCA is granted leave to intervene pursuant to r. 30(1) of the Criminal Appeal Rules. (2) The ALCCA shall take the record as it is and not supplement the record by way of its factum or otherwise. (3) The ALCCA shall serve and file the draft factum provided on this motion within one week of these reasons being released. (4) Mr. Bory may deliver a factum not exceeding 11 pages responding to the factum filed by the ALCCA by September 30. (5) The ALCCA shall be permitted a maximum of 20 minutes to make oral submissions at the hearing of the appeal. (6) Mr. Bory shall be permitted an additional 20 minutes of submissions at the hearing of the appeal to respond to the ALCCA. (7) The ALCCA shall not be entitled to, nor subject to, any costs on this motion or on the appeal. "Fairburn A.C.J.O." |
4. Sentencing Hearing for Brandon Taylor MOORE September 28, 2026
Brandon Taylor MOORE, a Saskatoon Saskatchewan real estate agent, will face a sentencing hearing on September 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM, Provincial Courtroom #5 in Saskatoon SK. Moore pleaded guilty to Public Incitement of Hatred, a charge relating to several years of social media postings under the Twitter account @LetsGoBrando45, which despite six months of court-enforced dormancy, continues to have 175,000 followers. The account is still active so you can judge for yourself.
Moore combines traditional theological antisemitism with the modern antizionist strain of the Judenhass virus, artfully proving that the two phenomena are indeed intimately intertwined.
CAEF is joining in filing a Community Impact Statement with the court.
5. Winnipeg resident Jason Paul RINDALL Pleads Guilty to Public Incitement of Hatred, Advocating Genocide
Winnipeg man pleads guilty to advocating genocide and wilfully promoting hatred in social media posts in CBC News
Additional charges laid against Winnipeg resident charged for uttering threats against Prime Minister, and Jewish and Muslim Communities — Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Winnipeg resident Jason Paul RINDALL has filed a guilty plea in Manitoba Provincial Court to charges of willful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide in relation to social media postings hostile to both Jewish and Muslim Canadians. Upon filing of the guilty plea, the Crown withdrew a previously laid charge of uttering a death threat against Prime Minister Mark Carney. CAEF will be participating in a joint community impact statement.
6. Yves Gabriel ENGLER charged with Criminal Harassment of Montreal Journalist
Perennial Montreal antisemitic agitator, convicted criminal and NDP leadership wannabe Yves ENGLER has once again been charged with criminal harassment, this time of Journal de Montreal writer Richard Martineau. Engler self-reported the charges in an August 5 social media posting.
CAEF has frequently reported on the petty crimes of this public nuisance, and will continue to follow and monitor.
Don't Cry for Argentina
Traveling in Argentina
Argentina has a long history of Jewish immigration and settlement, integration, and landmark antisemitism. Today it's more welcoming and experiencing positive relations with Israel. It must be noted that just as corporate environments are set by the "tone at the top," likewise the political leadership of a country influences the people's relationship with Israel and the Jews. Argentina's President Javier Milei looks favourably upon Israel.
Michael Teper, President of CAEF, and I joined with members of the Lodzer Centre Congregation, guided by Rabbi Eli Courante on August 2, to tour Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro, focusing on Jewish history and current life.
Some highlights:
Argentina has the fifth largest Jewish population at approximately 200,000, mostly in Buenos Aires, which is only .45-.5% of the population. This is a significant decline since the 1960s when there were over 300,000 Jews in Argentina.
First presence of immigrants was as early as the 16th century, with the first community being organized in the 1860s. Portuguese and Spanish conversos arrived discreetly during the 1500s and 1600s, and Jews only lived openly after the Inquisition was abolished. Large scale settlement began in 1889 with the arrival of Russian Jews sponsored by Baron Maurice de Hirsch. The history of colonization is beautifully presented at the Libertad Synagogue Museum.
The first Jewish organization, Chevra Kadisha, evolved into the Associacion Mutual Israelita Argentina which is the main institution for Argentinian Jews today. AMIA offers many programs and services but is globally known for the terrorist attack in 1994 which destroyed the building, leaving 85 people dead and 300 injured. Founded in 1894, it is the oldest Chevra Kadisha in South America. Its destruction by a suicide car bomber pained Jews and created an open and unresolved wound to this day.
The building was rebuilt in the same spot in 1999 and has since been artfully painted to show a living spirit and continuity. The outline of a Magen David is hidden in the colours but wide open to those who stand and look.
Perhaps less well known but equally devastating was the bombing of the Israeli embassy in 1992 which killed 29 people and injured over 200, and completely destroyed the building. Of course in both terror attacks some non Jews died or were injured. While no entity claimed the AMIA attack, its believed that an affiliate organization of Hezbollah was responsible. Investigations that were once shut down have been revived. Its suspected that Iran's theocratic dictatorship is behind both bombings.
Jewish education and service are paramount. Ashkenazi and Sephardic, orthodox and reform congregations are thriving. The Iarjo Chabad has a dynamic community initiative, a twice weekly soup kitchen which serves over 150 people in a neighborhood park. Funded and organized by Chabad with Jewish and non Jewish volunteers, this interfaith community-building and service project illustrates the Jewish commitment to others and helps people learn about Jews and Judaism.
Tours of old and new Jewish neighborhoods provide a feeling of yiddishkite on the street, with restaurants, shops, kids and adults wearing kippot, schools, and various landmarks. A subway stop is renamed for AMIA and has a permanent memorial on its walls.
Searching for Anti-Israel messages didn't take too long. Outside our hotel, pasted on the back of a street sign mounted on a lamp post is the message, "Israel assassinates children." Somewhere in this city lurks evil, Jew hating, anti zionist evil. Security is tight at all Jewish institutions, people are alert, but love is in the air. Our Canadian Jewish group has felt the warmth of Argentinians, Jewish and non Jewish, and look forward to the remaining fact filled days of our tour.
Recommended Reading
Read comments by CAEF in the Jerusalem Post on mayoralty candidate, Dr. Bashir Abdulsalam, whose social media posts led CAEF to bring a complaint of professional misconduct to the Professional Engineers of Ontario, of which she is a member. She is now in disciplinary hearings yet continues to post and rant against Israel. Note her campaign focuses on antizionism repeating every Jew hating trope and myth, August 3, 2026.
Read article in CTVNews about US Special Envoy on Antisemitism calling on Canadian government to curb antisemitism.
Read essay by Pat Johnson in his Substack, Beaten with a Shtick, about the exclusion of Jews to create "safe spaces." Aug, 4 2026.
Does "Safe Space" mean "No Jews"?
A safe space is one where people are protected from harassment and violence. It is not a space where people are protected from encountering Jews with ordinary Jewish beliefs.
One of the most effective forms of moral laundering is the demand to make organizations, campuses, cultural spaces, or public institutions "safe" from Zionists.
Read more at Pat's Substack, Beaten with a Shtick
Read post on LinkedIn by Hillel Fuld.
Read post on LinkedIn by Idit Shamir, Consul General of Israel for Ontario and Western Canada.
Advocacy and Action
Read Letter from Dr. Pablo Nankin on why Mamdani is given a platform for his extremism, antisemitism and idiotism, August 5, 2026.
Read Letter from Ruth Abrams, Toronto, to CBC presenting an essay by Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib with facts about Gaza that CBC must start reporting, August 6, 2026.
Read Letter from Larry Shapiro, Calgary to Editor, NY Times in response to an article by Thomas Friedman who blames Israel for the lack of peace with Palestinians, July 28, 2026.
Read Letter from Richard Sherman, Florida to the Editor, NY Times about the Zionophobia that is the real threat not "settler violence" to peace, July 29, 2026.
Action Alert: Help Protect Professional Spaces From Hate
Jewish and Israeli psychologists say they are afraid to attend the 2026 American Psychological Association (APA) Convention after a coordinated political campaign was circulated through official APA channels urging attendees to wear keffiyehs, recite a scripted "Land and Genocide Acknowledgment" before professional presentations, and attend sessions promoting "Palestinian liberation."
The APA is the largest professional organization of psychologists in the United States, representing over 146,000 members. The "Land and Genocide Acknowledgment" presents deeply contested claims as established fact, denies the Jewish people's ancestral connection to Israel, and makes no mention of the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre, the hostages, or the ongoing trauma experienced by Jews worldwide. Jewish psychologists report feeling pressured to hide their identities, stay silent about October 7, 2023, or distance themselves from Israel simply to be accepted by their professional peers. A professional association dedicated to mental health must not become a space where Jewish members fear for their safety.
Sign the open letter linked below and make your voice heard: The APA must act immediately to ensure that Jewish and Israeli psychologists can participate safely and fully in the 2026 Annual Convention!
Community Events
Learn more and get your tickets for CAEF’s 2026 Advocate Award of Excellence, honouring Brian Lee Crowley, Tuesday October 27, 2026.
Hamilton: Temple Anshe Sholom is hosting a free half-day conference. CAEF is a proud sponsor.
Bringing together leading scholars from Canada and abroad, the conference will explore Jewish history, Israel, antisemitism, and the remarkable resilience of the Jewish people. Attend the entire day or choose only those presentations that are of particular interest to you — you are sure to leave with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and a deeper appreciation of our shared heritage.
