Dozens of people gathered on Wednesday outside of a North York bakery that was the target of a weekend attack to condemn the violent incidents and show their support to the Jewish community.
The gathering, attended by community leaders from across Toronto, was held at Kiva’s Bagel Bakery on Steeles Avenue West.
The bakery’s front glass was shattered on July 25 shortly after 11:15 p.m., police said. About an hour later, the bakery’s Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue location was shot at.
“Condemn this for what it is. Condemn it for hatred. Condemn it for antisemitism,” said Daniel Koren, with Allied Voices of Israel.
He noted the incidents should concern all Canadians.
“This is not an issue that’s solely affecting our community. This affects each and every Canadian, who wants to live in a society of peace and tolerance and coexistence,” Koren said.
David Lau, another attendee, echoed the same sentiment.
“Now it may be the Jewish community that’s being attacked. So, next time, who knows who else is going to get attacked?” he said. “We better be very careful and sort of support each other.”
People at the gathering expressed that they wanted to stand against hatred and to let the Jewish community know they have support amid the recent attacks.
“Hatred is not a Canadian value, is not acceptable. So, any time a community is being targeted by hatred, the rest of us we come here and show our love and show our solidarity that we love them and we stand with them,” May Lau said.
Toronto police have released images of the SUV involved in both incidents, which are being investigated by their Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force with support from the Hate Crime Unit.
No suspect information has been released.
