CIJA Applauds Toronto Vote to Shield Communities from Targeted Hate

Toronto, ON – May 22, 2025 – Today, Toronto City Council passed an amendment to City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743 to create safe access zones around vulnerable institutions – specifically, places of worship, schools, and childcare centres.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), which advocated in favour of the bylaw alongside other community voices and allies, welcomed the decision and called for additional steps to combat hate.

Josh Landau, Director, Government Relations – Ontario, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, released the following statement in response to the vote:

"Yesterday in Washington, we witnessed how unchecked hate can escalate into violence. When pro-Hamas mobs march through our streets glorifying terrorism and calling for violence against Jews, it causes real harm to communities and puts lives at risk.

“With this decision, the City of Toronto has taken a meaningful step toward protecting Torontonians. There is broad support for safe access zones from diverse religious and ethnocultural leaders who recognize that freedom of expression does not include a right to intimidate, bully, and harass communities.

“We thank Mayor Chow and the members of Council who took a principled stand today and acted to ensure that children, seniors, and families feel safe walking into their schools, daycares, and places of worship. Organized campaigns of hate don’t just target one community – they threaten the social fabric of our city.

“CIJA will continue working with all levels of government to ensure Jewish institutions and all vulnerable communities are protected.”

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