Recent terrorism charges laid against three men in Toronto underscore a disturbing national failure to confront antisemitism, according to commentator Michael Higgins. The author contends that Canada has for years tolerated ideologies that demonize Israel and incite hatred against Jewish people, creating an environment where extremist tactics can flourish.
Alleged Use of Hamas Tactics in Toronto
The core of Higgins's argument points to the alleged methods of the accused. Three Toronto men are charged with targeting women and the Jewish community using tactics reportedly similar to those employed by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. That assault resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and involved horrific acts of violence, including sexual assault.
Higgins notes that within hours of the Hamas attack, celebrations erupted on Canadian streets. He argues that such reactions have been implicitly sanctioned by a permissive atmosphere fostered by politicians, police, and academic institutions.
A Pattern of Failed Enforcement and Appeasement
The commentary highlights a perceived systemic failure to apply existing laws. Higgins states that police could have used hate crime or intimidation charges to curb demonstrations that crossed from legitimate protest into the illegal glorification of terrorism. Instead, he criticizes a pattern of appeasement.
A pivotal example cited is the case of Charlotte Kates, international director of Samidoun. Following a Vancouver rally in April 2024 where she allegedly praised the October 7 attacks as "heroic and brave" and called Hamas "resistance fighters," police recommended charging her with willful promotion of hatred. As of August 2025, the B.C. Prosecution Service had not approved charges. The Samidoun network was listed as a terrorist entity by Canada in October 2024.
Institutional Hesitation and Political Denial
Further evidence of institutional reluctance, according to Higgins, comes from Toronto. Mayor Olivia Chow claimed Police Chief Myron Demkiw told her a "lawyer at headquarters" advised against charging people accused of antisemitism due to low conviction odds. Chief Demkiw has denied making that statement.
Higgins concludes that for two years, Canada has pandered to elements whose primary goal is to foment hatred against Jews, often under the guise of political protest. This environment, he warns, has allowed the evil of antisemitism to go unchecked, with the recent Toronto terror charges serving as a stark and tragic reflection of that failure.
