A heated demonstration outside a high-profile debate on the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations escalated into police action in downtown Toronto on Wednesday evening. The protest, targeting an event featuring prominent Israeli political figures, resulted in two arrests and two individuals being ejected from the venue.
Debate and Demonstration Details
The incident occurred at Meridian Hall, where the Munk Debates were hosting a discussion on the viability of a "two-state solution." The panel was composed entirely of Israeli politicians and former officials. Arguing against the two-state framework were former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren, and former interior minister Ayelet Shaked. Advocating for it were former prime minister Ehud Olmert and former justice minister Tzipi Livni.
Outside, a crowd of protesters, many wearing masks, gathered carrying Palestinian flags and signs. One placard read, "The world hates Israel," while another urged, "Honk 4 Gaza." Videos shared on social media captured the tense scene, including one protester using a megaphone to shout insults at passersby, calling them "devil-worshipping Zionists" and telling them to "go back to the slums of Europe."
Police Intervention and Arrests
Toronto Police confirmed multiple enforcement actions. Just after 9:40 p.m. near Yonge and Front Streets, a man was taken into custody. He faces charges including assaulting a peace officer, attempting to disarm an officer, criminal harassment, and uttering death threats.
A second individual, a woman, was arrested for criminal harassment. Separately, two people who had gained entry into Meridian Hall were removed from the debate itself for causing a disturbance. Police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer stated that one of them was also charged with trespassing.
Social Media Captures the Chaos
Independent journalist and lawyer Caryma Sa'd documented portions of the event online. Her videos showed physical altercations between police and protesters, with officers shoving demonstrators off the street. Another clip captured a protester inside the venue chanting "War criminals!" at the debate participants, to which others in the audience responded by yelling, "Arrest them!"
The protest underscores the deeply polarized and emotional reactions in Canada to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, playing out on the streets of a major metropolitan center.
