Community Groups Call For Accountability After U of T Protest Declares Itself an Extension of October 7 Terrorist Attacks

Toronto, ON—October 8, 2026—Following a demonstration at the University of Toronto on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, where protesters cheered as a Hamas commander was quoted, praised “martyrs”, and declared their rally an extension of the massacre, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), Network of Engaged Canadian Academics, Hillel Ontario, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, and StandWithUs Canada—which have all been pro-actively engaged with the university and authorities in highlighting threats to the safety of Jewish students, faculty, and staff—made the following statement: 

“When governments and institutions fail to enforce their own rules and policies, they create a dangerous climate of impunity that emboldens extremists and puts everyone’s safety at risk. 

“Despite the decision by University of Toronto’s administration that student groups cannot proceed with the protest because of safety concerns, protesters went ahead with an event that openly declared itself an extension of the October 7 terror attacks that involved the violent invasion of Israel, the murder of 1200 Israelis, over 4000 injured, and the kidnapping of 251 people. 

“Addressing a cheering crowd, one speaker went so far as to quote Hamas commander Mohammed Deif —one of the architects of the October 7 terror attack—urging supporters to “take to the streets and squares” in solidarity with the terrorist attacks, concluding with “glory to the martyrs”, “victory to the resistance,” and “globalize the intifada” — which is recognized by Canada's allies in the United Kingdom and Australia as incitement against Jews.  

“Universities have a responsibility to work with police to prevent events inciting violence and ensure their rules are enforced. Ontario’s revised directive on anti-racism and anti-hate makes universities' responsibility unmistakable: they must enforce campus-wide standards against hate, including holding student associations and groups accountable. 

“Complaints filed by Jewish students with the administration must be responded to within thirty days, as outlined in the revised directive, and those who break the rules must be held accountable. This is not just a matter of one community’s safety; it is about the security of all communities and defending Canada’s democratic values.” 

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