A pro-Israel event in Toronto turned violent Wednesday when anti-Israel activists stormed a private venue, injuring one speaker and damaging property. The attack came just days after Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was criticized for describing “the genocide in Gaza,” a comment that Jewish groups warned could inflame tensions in the city.
The event, organized by the student group Students Supporting Israel at Toronto Metropolitan University and featuring Israeli military veterans, was moved off campus at the last minute for security reasons. Despite the secrecy, about forty masked agitators found the venue and forced their way inside, breaking glass and attacking participants.
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Masked pro-Palestinian protesters storm a pro-Israel event in Toronto, breaking glass and attacking attendees, November 5, 2025.
He said the protesters appeared to know the location in advance. “They were waiting for us before we even started talking,” he said. “It’s not something I assumed would happen among a civilian population in a Western country.”
The attack came less than a week after Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said at an event that “the genocide in Gaza affects us all.” The comment caused immediate outrage among Jewish organizations. “It is shocking and dangerous language,” said Michael Levitt, CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, who urged Chow to apologize and clarify that Israel is not committing genocide. “Words like these confirm hatred and normalize the harassment of Jews,” he told The Algemeiner.
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Masked protesters violently disrupted a pro-Israel event in Toronto, breaking glass and attacking participants, November 5, 2025.
According to the Toronto police statement, a group of protesters entered the private event without permission, damaged property and caused attendees to fear for their safety. One person was injured by broken glass.
Police have arrested five people in connection with the attack. All must appear in court in January.
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Students attempt to block access to extremist protesters attacking an event organized by Jewish students in Toronot, Canada.
Despite his injuries, Karten said he plans to continue speaking on campuses. “We are cautious, but not afraid,” he said. “We must ensure that Jewish and Israeli voices are heard without fear.
