Palestinians gather in Toronto for rally; Ford, Chow attend rallies in support of Israel

Various demonstrations took place on Monday in solidarity with Palestinian and Israeli communities in downtown Toronto.

Police announced officers would be present at Mel Lastman Square and Nathan Phillips Square to ensure the crowds stayed safe and the demonstrations stayed peaceful.

The gathering at Mel Lastman Square, which started at at 7 p.m. was in solidarity with Israel. The rally at Nathan Phillips Square, which began at Toronto’s City Hall as of 2 p.m., was pro-Palestine.

Toronto police confirmed four arrests were made just as the rally was wrapping up at Mel Lastman Square. Police say the calls were marked at 8:17 p.m. There was no word on charges and police described the event was as “mostly peaceful”.

DEMONSTRATION:
3:25 p.m.
-Demonstrators walking n/b on Bay St.
-Currently between Dundas St. and College St.
-Rolling road closures
-Find alternate routes
^av

— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) October 9, 2023

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said officers were there to ensure protests do not escalate and turn violent.

“We are there for public safety,” Pogue said at a news conference. “We don’t shut things down. We recognize people have a right to gather… we will be there to ensure as people show up, we are there to keep that peace. Crime will not be tolerated.”

Protesters gathered at Nathan Phillips Square in front of Toronto City Hall on Monday afternoon, many draped in or waving Palestinian flags as the crowd chanted, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” in a demonstration that was denounced by the city’s mayor.

Later Monday, Chow, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland stood on a stage in Toronto’s North York neighbourhood where locals gathered to show their support for Israel, mourn those killed and pray for peace.

Approximately 250 police officers and other private security officials patrolled the public square where the event was held, and hundreds of people waved Israeli flags and cheered loudly as the politicians, one by one, expressed their “unequivocal” support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

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Pogue said the rallies are unsanctioned and permits were not provided by the city.

“Our presence is there that both demonstrators and anybody that may be opposed to those demonstrators are doing so safely,” Pogue said. “People in Canada have the right to free speech.”

Protesters in Toronto celebrating the attack in Israel. “We have a right as a colonized people to resist.” I asked one protester if they condemn the actions of Hamas this weekend, she said she can’t answer. pic.twitter.com/XzSJFSJWLY

— Tina Yazdani (@TinaYazdani) October 9, 2023

Israel formally declared war on Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas for the surprise attack on Saturday.

More than 1,100 people have been killed and thousands wounded on both sides. Major airlines have suspended flights to Israel.

“We have all available resources to us today to manage the crowds and people that show up,” Pogue said.

Chow says actions of Hamas ‘deplorable,’ Trudeau comments

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow issued a statement, saying she is aware of the unsanctioned rally at Nathan Phillips Square.

“The Government of Canada has rightly listed Hamas as a terrorist organization and we simply must not tolerate any support of terror, full stop,” Chow said.

“The rally to support Hamas at Nathan Phillips Square today is unsanctioned, without a permit and I unequivocally denounce it.”

Palestinian militant groups have claimed to be holding over 130 people who were captured in Israel in the past two days.

“Glorifying this weekend’s indiscriminate violence, including murder and kidnapping of women and children, by Hamas against Israeli civilians is deplorable,” Chow added.

“I am receiving updates from the Chief of Police, who assures me they will investigate and address any suspected incidents of hate.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement, saying “the glorification of violence is never acceptable in Canada — by any group or in any situation.”

“I strongly condemn the demonstrations that have taken place, and are taking place, across the country in support of Hamas’ attacks on Israel,” Trudeau wrote on X. “Let’s stand united against acts of terror.”

I'm aware of the unsanctioned rally at Nathan Phillips Square today. My statement below: pic.twitter.com/OrjKqXWtov

— Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) October 9, 2023

With files from the Canadian Press