Toronto (June 2, 2021) - In a powerful announcement today, Mayor John Tory confirmed he stands with the Jewish community against all forms of antisemitism.

The statement was released following a special virtual meeting held yesterday between Mayor Tory – who was joined by Toronto Police Chief James Ramer and city councillors James Pasternak, Mike Colle and Josh Matlow – and Jewish community leadership. Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) President and CEO Michael Levitt and other Jewish community leaders spoke out about the rise in antisemitism and the impact it is having on Jews in Toronto.

FSWC commends Mayor Tory's commitment to hearing the community's concerns and taking action to combat antisemitism. The organization also welcomes the mayor's statement, which announced that the Toronto For All public education initiative this year will target antisemitism.

"What we have been experiencing in recent weeks is a resurgence of virulent antisemitism and the mainstreaming of Jew-hatred, including in schools and universities, workplaces, online and in neighbourhoods across the city," said FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt. "We need our city leaders to speak out and take action more than ever. That's why we appreciate Mayor John Tory for not only denouncing antisemitism, but even more so committing to strategies and policies that help prevent and combat antisemitism and attacks targeting the Jewish community."

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