Toronto police deploy tactical units for Jewish High Holiday security
Police Chief Demkiw announced increased visible and covert presence in strategic areas as antisemitic hate crimes surge. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur run September 11–21.
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Toronto police are increasing "visible and covert" presence in strategic areas during the Jewish High Holidays in response to a surge in hate-motivated incidents targeting the community, Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced Tuesday.
Officers with specialized tactical training and access to patrol rifles will be deployed. Command posts will be set up in areas including Bathurst Street and Sheppard Street. Police will also embed officers with the Jewish Security Network, an independent agency run by the non-profit United Jewish Appeal (UJA), over the coming weeks.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be observed between September 11 and September 21. "We have seen an alarming increase in hate-motivated incidents targeting the Jewish community in Toronto and indeed in cities around the world," Demkiw said at the news conference.
Recent months have included shootings at two synagogues in North York and Vaughan, and attacks on Jewish-owned businesses and places of worship.
Mayor Olivia Chow spoke at the news conference, saying those gathering for the High Holidays "deserve to do so with peace and without worry." The deployment plan details—including specific numbers of officers, all strategic areas, and duration through September 21—have not been disclosed.
How many officers will be deployed, and which specific neighborhoods beyond Bathurst and Sheppard will see increased presence?
Will this enhanced security presence continue beyond Yom Kippur, given the anniversary of October 7 approaches?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When are the Jewish High Holidays being observed in Toronto this year?
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be observed between September 11 and September 21, 2026.
What security measures is Toronto police deploying?
Toronto police are deploying officers with specialized tactical training and access to patrol rifles, setting up command posts in areas including Bathurst Street and Sheppard Street, and embedding officers with the Jewish Security Network.
Why is Toronto police increasing security for the High Holidays?
Police Chief Myron Demkiw cited an alarming increase in hate-motivated incidents targeting the Jewish community in Toronto and worldwide, including recent shootings at two synagogues in North York and Vaughan and attacks on Jewish-owned businesses and places of worship.
