Municipal Elections Bring Renewed Responsibility to Keep Communities Safe

Toronto, ON—October 27, 2026—As communities across the Greater Toronto Area prepare for new municipal government administrations, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto are calling on elected leaders to make public safety, accountability, and the protection of all residents clear priorities. They've issued the following statement:

"Municipal governments have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that everyone can live, work, worship, and participate in civic life safely and without fear. Yet across the GTA, Jewish residents have faced increasing intimidation, harassment, and threats in their neighbourhoods, at places of worship, and outside community institutions. These experiences have underscored the urgent need for consistent and effective action against antisemitism and hate.

"No one should have to accept intimidation or hatred as the price of being openly Jewish. And no community should have to fight simply to feel safe.

"Many Jewish Torontonians have expressed deep concern about rising antisemitism and are looking to their elected leaders for decisive action. Throughout the election campaign, our community made its expectations clear: stronger responses to hate-motivated crime, consistent enforcement of laws and bylaws, protection for vulnerable institutions, and meaningful accountability from municipal leaders.

"With Olivia Chow re-elected as Mayor of Toronto, attention now turns to the commitments made during the campaign and the work still ahead. During the campaign, Mayor Chow outlined plans to build on policing investments, expand security funding for vulnerable institutions, and continue efforts to address antisemitism and hate. These are important responsibilities, and the next term of council presents an opportunity to demonstrate sustained progress through consistent enforcement, stronger accountability, and tangible improvements in community safety.

"While Toronto's mayoral race attracted considerable attention, these priorities extend well beyond Toronto City Hall. Across Vaughan, Markham, Mississauga, and municipalities throughout the GTA, elected officials have an important role in ensuring that public spaces are safe, that municipal services are delivered without discrimination, and that residents can participate fully in community life.

"The election may be over, but the responsibility to deliver results is just beginning. Statements condemning antisemitism and other forms of hate must be matched by concrete action. Municipal leaders must ensure police have the resources to respond effectively, laws and bylaws are enforced consistently, and those targeted by hate can see meaningful improvements in their safety.

"We also recognize the thousands of community members who participated in the democratic process, engaged with candidates, raised important concerns, and made their voices heard. Their involvement reflects a commitment to building stronger, safer communities for everyone.

"CIJA and UJA remain committed to engaging constructively with municipal leaders across the political spectrum, advocating for policies that protect vulnerable communities, and holding elected officials accountable for their commitments.

"Every resident deserves to feel safe in the community they call home. The measure of municipal leadership will not be the promises made during an election, but the actions taken once it is over."

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Additional Background:

• CIJA Survey Responses from Brad Bradford 
• CIJA Survey Responses from Olivia Chow