Toronto police are asking for the public's help to identify a suspect in a suspected hate-motivated mischief after a menorah was damaged in the Avenue Road and Davenport Road area on April 10, 2026. The suspect, described as a male around 30 years old, was captured on camera wearing a grey toque, black jacket, grey pants, glasses, and black running shoes.
Police released a clear image of the man, who appears to be carrying a drinking glass and wearing a pin on his jacket, which may help identify him. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 416-808-3506 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or 222tips.com.
Possible Hate Crime
According to police, if a criminal offence is alleged and believed to be motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If convicted, hate is considered an aggravating factor in sentencing. The suspect could face charges of wilful promotion of hatred or advocating genocide, which require the Attorney General's consent.
The incident occurred when the suspect walked past a large menorah positioned in front of a Jewish community centre and knocked it down, causing damage. Police were alerted on the same day.
Rising Antisemitic Attacks
This vandalism is one of several antisemitic incidents in Toronto this year. Four synagogues have been shot at, six people were targeted for being Jewish by a gunman, and a Jewish man, Daniel Stopnicki, was executed while walking his dog in Wenderly Park. Suspects have been arrested in connection with some incidents, but their names have not always been released due to legal protections.
In the synagogue shootings, an 18-year-old was arrested but his name is withheld as he was 17 at the time. Other suspects include Ruslan Novruzov, 18, charged in a pellet gun shooting, and Michaelo Markicevic, 67, a former police officer charged in Stopnicki's murder. None of the charges have been tested in court.
Community Response
Stopnicki's family released a statement describing him as a devoted family man with no enemies. They urged kindness and remembrance. Meanwhile, Meir Weinstein of Israel Now reported that Toronto police arrested a man at the entrance of a Jewish community centre at Bathurst and Sheppard, though it is not believed related to the menorah incident.
Credit was given to Toronto Police, the United Jewish Appeal, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, Israel Now, Unapologetically Jewish, and Shomrin for their efforts in addressing antisemitism.
The message is clear: those who commit crimes against the Jewish community will be held accountable.
