Mayor Olivia Chow Faces Criticism Over Response to Protests and Missed Memorial

Mayor Olivia Chow has found herself defending her handling of the extensive protests stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict that have significantly affected Toronto over the past year. The issue became more pressing following her absence at a recent memorial event, as reported by the city’s media outlets.

In a conversation with CP24 Breakfast, Mayor Chow was pressed on her perceived inaction concerning policing alleged hate speech at some protests, including those calling for Israel’s destruction. Chow countered by emphasizing the independence of law enforcement, stating, “The chief of police has the authority to lay charges if it’s a hate crime, and he has done that.” She added that, in Canada, it is the law enforcement officials who decide on arrests, affirming, “That’s what democracy is about.”

Addressing the protesters’ rights, Chow remarked, “People have a right to assemble,” but cautioned that this must not cross legal boundaries, a line she noted is currently under public and legal debate.

Toronto police have reported responding to over 1,500 protests since October 7, 2023, resulting in the arrest of 72 individuals. Pro-Palestinian groups maintain their demonstrations are neither hateful nor antisemitic, focusing instead on ending ongoing violence traced back to last year’s conflict escalation.

Mayor Chow has faced significant backlash for missing a vigil commemorating the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack, which gathered an estimated 20,000 participants. Organizers claimed they sent invitations to her office, but Chow attributed her absence to not receiving these communications. She later expressed, “I apologize to the Jewish community and will do better.”

In her statements, Chow reiterated her commitment to “bring people together” and highlighted her participation in other Jewish community events, such as a recent luncheon for the Jewish New Year at City Hall.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs criticized Chow’s absence as “embarrassing,” underlining the disappointment within the community over her nonattendance. Following the incident, the Mayor confirmed plans to meet with community leaders to convey her regrets.

Tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and resulting local protests continue to affect Toronto’s diverse communities, with reported increases in hate crimes against Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian groups.