TORONTO, ON (July 2, 2024) – StandWithUs Canada is grateful and relieved that the Ontario Superior of Court of Justice has granted the University of Toronto an injunction against the anti-Israel encampment that has been at King’s College Circle since May 2nd. We were proud to serve as an intervenor in this case, along with other Jewish organizations who fought hard for this outcome. The injunction order mandates that all “protestors” vacate the encampment by 6 p.m. tomorrow (May 3rd, 2024), and grants the Toronto Police Services (TPS) authorization to arrest and remove any who fail to comply by that time.
“This is a critical moment for our community,” remarked Jesse Primerano, StandWithUs Canada’s Executive Director. “A precedent has now been set: Hateful encampments do not belong on our campuses. This decision is not just a call for a peaceful University of Toronto, but a reminder of the Canadian values of peacefulness, inclusivity, and law and order that have defined this country for generations. Vile, hateful signs, chants and harassment have no place in our country, whether targeting the Jewish community or anybody else.”
After weeks of futilely attempting to negotiate with the leaders of the encampment, the University of Toronto asked TPS to clear the encampment from their campus. TPS refused on the basis that trespassing laws in the city did not give them the authority to remove the encampment. In response, U of T sought an injunction from the court to provide the police with that authority, which they now have. It is critical that U of T, the City of Toronto, and the TPS act swiftly in enforcing the imposed deadline outlined by the court.
Primerano continued: “While we are disappointed that the reasons given by the court dismiss many claims of antisemitism at the encampment, and the fact that the organizers of the encampment won’t be held responsible for the vile behaviour of those present, we are grateful that this nightmare for U of T’s Jewish and pro-Israel community will finally come to an end.”
As noted, it was difficult for the court to attribute any particular evidence of criminality to a particular individual, specifically the organizers of the encampment. We are extremely concerned by this notion, which stems from the fact that “protestors,” whether at U of T or not, have maintained a strict policy of covering their faces.
“If these ‘protestors’ firmly believe that what they are protesting has merit and does not come from a place of hatred, why would they need to hide their identity?” posited Primerano. “It is critical that our government bodies follow the lead of many of their American counterparts who are starting to ban the wearing of masks at protests, and put legislation in place preventing criminals from escaping penalty-free because our law enforcement cannot identify them.”
This is just one of the many critical next steps that must be taken to tackle the dramatic rise of antisemitism in Canada. StandWithUs Canada will continue to stand with our community partners in confronting these issues. This is an exciting day, but there is much more to be done.
We were proud to work with aligned partners on this issue. Click here to read our joint statement.
