Toronto Mayoral Candidates Criticize Incumbent's Absence at Antisemitism Forum

Toronto mayoral candidates Brad Bradford and Chris Alexander on Tuesday pledged to intensify the fight against antisemitism during a forum held at the Adath Israel Synagogue in North York. Both candidates, considered the main rivals to incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow, also criticized her absence from the event, which took place ahead of the municipal election on October 26.

Bradford stated that the mayor's role is to represent everyone and that presence is crucial. He promised to join the Toronto Police Services Board if elected, calling Chow's decision not to do so a "dereliction of duty." Bradford also urged the municipality to pressure federal and provincial governments to toughen penalties for hate crimes.

Chris Alexander, a former Canadian immigration minister, proposed establishing a task force of experts and community representatives to improve reporting of hate crimes and facilitate prosecutions. He also aims to enhance police training and boost cooperation with Israeli intelligence services to detect potential threats. Alexander deemed Mayor Chow's absence "unacceptable."

Mayor Chow had explained her absence by stating she would not attend any electoral events before the official launch of her campaign on Wednesday. However, on the same day, she announced with the Toronto Police Chief an increased security presence around Jewish sites in anticipation of the holidays, with specially trained officers to be deployed. "The Jews of Toronto should not need a police presence to go to a synagogue or a community center, or simply to live their Judaism openly in our city. But that is the case, and it is abhorrent," she stated.

Chow has previously faced criticism for missing a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the October 7th massacre and an Israeli Independence Day celebration. In June, a video of her saying "Free Palestine" at Toronto Pride also caused controversy. These political clashes occur as the Jewish community in Toronto is disproportionately affected by hate crimes. In 2025, 82% of 99 religiously motivated incidents recorded in Toronto were anti-Jewish, despite Jewish people making up less than 3% of the population. Several synagogues and Jewish businesses have recently been targeted with gunfire, arson, or vandalism, and mezuzahs have been torn from apartment doors.