TMU Student Recounts Milk Attack on Jewish and Israeli Group at Campus Event
The Toronto Police Service Hate Crime Unit is investigating a disturbing incident at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where a masked individual threw an open carton of expired milk at a group of Jewish and Israeli students during a campus event. The attack occurred on February 23, 2024, at approximately 3 p.m., at the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre.
Details of the Assault
According to Ethan, a third-year TMU student who requested to use only his first name for safety reasons, the assailant wore a balaclava and sunglasses during the incident. "The milk was splattered everywhere," Ethan recounted. "It was expired milk. So, the guy found an expired carton and basically threw it at us, and it was opened already. His full intention was to get us. And it was not by mistake. He came to the table with a carton of milk fully open. It sounds strange, but it’s what happened."
The event was organized by Students Supporting Israel in partnership with StandWithUs Canada, focusing on discussions about terror towards Jews, including references to the December attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. Ethan emphasized that the attacker did not engage with the group beforehand, suggesting a premeditated act. "He didn’t come up to the table before to listen, to hear from us. He did it with purpose and to cause harm," he said.
Police and University Response
Following the attack, campus security was notified, and Ethan reported the incident to the Toronto Police Service the next day. Police are treating it as an assault with a weapon and a potential hate crime. A TPS representative confirmed, "The Hate Crime Unit is aware of the incident. We are encouraging anyone with information to report to police." The classification of the act will depend on the ongoing investigation.
TMU released a statement on February 24, condemning the behavior and stating that it is being actively investigated. "This is completely unacceptable behaviour, and it is being actively investigated by the university. If the individuals in question are TMU community members, the university will take action to address this in accordance with our policies," the statement read. The university has listed the assault in its security incidents and urged anyone with information to contact TMU Community Safety and Security.
Impact on Students
The incident has caused significant distress among the affected students. Ethan noted that one person at the table has a milk allergy, and another adheres to kosher dietary laws, adding layers of concern. There were also fears about potential contaminants in the milk. "It was weird. Getting milk on you shouldn’t really mean anything, but I was really itchy," Ethan shared.
Despite TMU's claim that "support has been provided to the students in the wake of this incident," Ethan expressed frustration over the lack of follow-up. "No one from human rights, no one from the university, no one from any mental health team has reached out to me," he said, adding that he has only had one call from campus security requesting the police report.
Broader Context
This attack is part of a troubling pattern of harassment reported by Jewish students at TMU. Ethan mentioned, "We’ve had incidents in the past, but nothing to this extent on campus." The event highlights ongoing challenges related to campus safety and hate crimes, particularly in academic settings where diverse groups gather for dialogue and outreach.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging witnesses or individuals with information to come forward to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents. The case underscores the importance of robust hate crime protocols and support systems for affected communities in educational institutions.
