Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has joined a growing chorus of outrage over the tearing down of posters that were put up to aid in the search for a missing 14-year-old Jewish girl in Toronto. The posters, which feature a photo and details of Esther, affectionately known as Esti, have reportedly been removed from public spaces across the city.
Poilievre's condemnation
In a post on X on Thursday, Poilievre wrote: 'Tearing down the notice of a missing 14 year old autistic girl, simply because she is Jewish, is evil on so many levels that I don't even know where to start. Vile hatred against Jews is moving from an ugly sentiment to dangerous actions. We must end this now. And make Canada a safe place for Jews and all people.'
Embassy of Israel responds
The embassy of Israel in Canada also reacted strongly, stating: 'This is shocking and disappointing. Jew-hate is getting in the way of a missing girl being brought to safety. In Canada. In 2026. May Esti come home as soon as possible.'
Esti was reported missing on Friday, May 15, in the area of Earl Bales Park, a large green space located at Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West in the northern part of Toronto. Police released an updated image of her on Saturday.
Incident details
The reactions from Poilievre and the embassy were prompted by a widely shared post that alleged a woman was photographed tearing down some posters before being stopped. The original post appears to have come from a Toronto resident posting on Facebook under the name Shana Ti. The National Post has reached out to her for comments.
This incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for an end to antisemitic acts in Canada. The search for Esti continues as authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
