Jewish Leaders Respond to New Toronto Police Measures

Toronto, ON – March 24, 2026 – In response to today’s announcement by the Toronto Police Service establishing a new Counter-Terrorism Security Unit and launching Task Force Guardian, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto (UJA) issued the following statement: 

“In recent weeks, Jewish communities across the Greater Toronto Area have faced a dangerous escalation — including gunfire targeting synagogues, extremist protests, and open displays of antisemitic incitement.  

“The establishment of a dedicated Counter-Terrorism Security Unit and the deployment of Task Force Guardian are necessary and overdue steps. We welcome this action as a recognition that the current situation and threat levels require a stronger response, including enhanced policing measures. 

“The current threat environment, including recent national security assessments that indicate an extremist attack against the Jewish community is a very real possibility in the coming months, underscores the urgency of this moment. This is not a theoretical risk. It is a credible and imminent danger that requires a proactive, visible, and sustained policing presence. 

“Jewish Torontonians should not have to question whether it is safe to attend synagogue, send their children to school, or walk in their own neighborhoods. The expectation that laws will be enforced and that public safety will be protected is fundamental, and it must be consistently met.  

“We will continue to engage with law enforcement, and our community will be watching closely. Today’s announcement must translate into tangible improvements: increased patrols, disruption of extremist activity, and meaningful consequences for those who incite or commit hate-driven acts.”  

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“These new measures reflect the reality that the threat environment has changed. The priority now is ensuring these new measures are implemented effectively — with consistent enforcement and clear consequences for those who seek to do harm — so that communities see a real difference in their safety.” 

- Michelle Stock, Vice President, Ontario, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs 

“We want to thank the Toronto Police Service for taking these welcome and important steps in the right direction in securing the safety of our communities. We have witnessed firsthand how hateful words and images directed at the Jewish community have turned into hateful acts of violence. Initiatives like this are vital for the safety and security of not just the Jewish community, but for all Canadians.” 

- Sara Lefton, Chief Development Officer, United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto (UJA) 

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