Investigation underway after 2 students performed Hitler salute at North York school

Officials at a middle school in North York are investigating two anti-Semitic incidents that occurred at the school last week.

One of the alleged incidents happened on Feb. 1 at Toren Charles H. Best Middle School on Wilmington Avenue near Dufferin Street and Finch Avenue West.

In a release, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) said a parent informed the organization on Friday that students displayed swastikas in a classroom at the school earlier in the week. On another occasion last week, students performed the Hitler salute in front of classmates.

“It is extremely disturbing to once again learn of antisemitism rearing its ugly head at a school in Toronto,” FSWC president and CEO Michael Levitt said in a statement. “At a time of rising antisemitism, it’s essential for schools to have the resources to address and prevent such hate incidents and ensure safe spaces for all students.”

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) spokesperson Shari Schwartz-Maltz, who also chairs the Jewish Heritage Committee, said the Hitler salute was done in front of a Jewish student and the other incident involved the “construction of a swastika” at the school.

“The incidents are really disturbing, it gets you in the heart. We want to raise our kids to have love in their heart and all the swastika says is hate,” Schwartz-Maltz said.

She said a letter from the school was sent to parents and students notifying them of the incidents and the next steps involved.

“This is very upsetting and unacceptable,” the letter reads. “As soon as these incidents were brought to our attention, we took immediate steps to address the issue and we continue to investigate.”

“We acknowledge and regret the harm this incident caused to members of our school community and to our shared school climate.”

It is not yet known what disciplinary action the students could face but Schwartz-Maltz said “there are consequences to the kids that were involved.”

In the letter, school officials said they are “consulting with TDSB Equity Advisors and other central staff to establish new strategies and tools for addressing antisemitism.”

“We will be working with students to address this matter and incorporate this as a learning opportunity that supports equity and inclusion to underscore our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.”