To:

Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner 

Chief of Toronto Police Services, Myron Demkiw

City of Toronto Mayor, Olivia Chow

City Manager, Paul Johnson

We are writing to urgently bring to your attention a matter of critical concern regarding recent events in our city. As residents deeply committed to inclusivity and safety for all communities, we are profoundly troubled by the aggressive rallies targeting Jewish areas within our city. These gatherings require immediate action pursuant to the City Council's decisions on May 14 and 15, 2019 (https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2019.EX5.3)

The City Council's unequivocal stance against hate speech and hate activities, as outlined in the decisions, requires urgent and decisive enforcement. Despite these directives, aggressive rallies continue to transpire without adherence to regulations, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to address these violations promptly.

These rallies have specifically targeted certain areas in proximity to predominantly Jewish neighborhoods, synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, and Jewish schools. These actions instill fear and discomfort within the local Jewish community and have prompted concerns regarding their safety and security. Public spaces are being misused for hate-driven activities, spreading hate speech and inciting violence during these events.

We implore the City's authorities to take immediate and comprehensive action to enforce the regulations set by the Council. Specifically, the directives pertaining to monitoring rallies, working collaboratively with the Toronto Police Service to enforce by-law contraventions, issuing trespass warnings, seeking reimbursement for City-incurred expenses from rally organizers, must be executed swiftly and decisively. It is essential to uphold these directives to deter future unauthorized, harmful, and disruptive gatherings.

Furthermore, enforcement of the Criminal Code provisions, including sections 319 (prohibiting hate propaganda), 423 (addressing obstruction of public spaces), 175 (regarding causing a disturbance), and 430 (concerning causing mischief), is imperative to safeguard public safety and upholding the law. 

As concerned citizens, we urge you to prioritize the safety and security of all communities by robustly implementing the City Council's decisions to prevent and combat hate activities within our city. It is imperative that these matters be addressed directly and without delay, ensuring the safety and security of all residents while upholding the integrity of our city's institutions and reinforcing the principles of tolerance and inclusivity that define our city.

Being a truly multicultural and inclusive city means ensuring safety for all. The escalating events demand action be taken now.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned