Toronto (November 12, 2018) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is monitoring a Toronto Police investigation into an antisemitic assault that occurred yesterday in the Fairholme Avenue and Bathurst Street area.

According to a Toronto Police Service news release, four 17-year-old boys wearing religious attire were passing a group of young people before two of the boys were physically assaulted. The group of perpetrators also made derogatory comments about their religion and stole the glasses of one of the victims.

FSWC confirmed with police today that the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

“It’s unacceptable for this type of violence to continue against the Jewish community, especially following the recent attack in Pittsburgh that sparked worldwide outrage,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo.  “It’s important for anyone who witnessed the incident or knows the perpetrators to inform police and send a message that no hatred of any kind is welcome in this country.”

“This is just another example of why we must continue educating young people in schools, particularly about the Holocaust and other examples of hatred and intolerance throughout history, helping them understand the effects of hate and why we must all stand up against it.”

Police have located and arrested one of the suspects but are seeking assistance in identifying and locating nine suspects.

Police are requesting anyone with information to call 416-808-1300.

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Media Contact:‍

Avital Borisovsky
Communications Associate
416.864.9735 x 29
aborisovsky@fswc.ca