Newsfeed & Content Library

In a recent episode of the State of Tel Aviv and Beyond podcast, hosted by Vivian Bercovici, ALCCA’s Chair, Mark Sandler, joined the program for a wide-ranging discussion on the alarming level of antisemitism, public safety concerns, and the broader challenges facing civil society in Canada and other Western democracies following October 7.

ALCCA’s Chair examines a Toronto case in which a charge of public incitement of hatred against the Islamic Republic of Iran was withdrawn, raising important questions about the application of Canadian hate law and the distinction between governments and protected groups.

An Ontario Court of Justice judge has found that a theft at a Toronto protest was motivated by bias, prejudice, or hatred against the Jewish community, rejecting a discharge and emphasizing denunciation and deterrence in sentencing. The decision underscores the serious impact of hate-motivated conduct and contributes to a growing body of case law recognizing the harm of antisemitic incidents in Canada.

ALCCA Chair Mark Sandler comments on expanded charges in the TMU case, including public incitement of hatred, riot-related offences, and mischief.

An examination of recent cases where criminal charges linked to antisemitic conduct and politically motivated vandalism were withdrawn, raising concerns about prosecutorial discretion, public safety, and the normalization of hate in Canada.

A Windsor court has sentenced Nicholas Amor to nearly two years in prison for inciting hatred against Jews and possessing weapons. The case underscores the real-world dangers of extremist hate speech and its impact on community safety.

A Law Society of Ontario panel has found that a lawyer’s use of an antisemitic trope – among other misconduct – contributed to the revocation of his licence. The panel rejected claims the comment was benign, recognizing it as a harmful stereotype.

Our latest legal update highlights a series of developments, including a public incitement of hatred charge arising from protests at Bathurst and Sheppard, a 20-year sentence in a terrorism case tied to extremist propaganda, new charges in an antisemitic threats investigation, and other recent cases.

ALCCA’s Chair, Mark Sandler sharply criticizes the decision to lay charges of public incitement of hatred against a counter demonstrator at the Al-Quds Day protest, absurdly treating the Islamic Republic of Iran as a victim of hatred. This is doubly troubling given the frequent failure to prosecute legitimate cases of incitement of hatred against Jews and Israelis.

In an interview on the Toronto Today podcast, ALCCA Chair Mark Sandler discusses the legal complexities surrounding calls for an emergency injunction to stop Toronto’s Al-Quds Day rally. Sandler explains the high legal threshold for restraining events before they occur, while outlining concerns about prior rallies, potential criminal offences, and the need for vigilant enforcement of existing laws.