Toronto police and mayor outline safety plans for upcoming Jewish High Holy Days

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsCanadaToronto Toronto police and mayor outline safety plans for upcoming Jewish High Holy Days Chief Demkiw said increase police presence 'both visible and covert' will take place through the holidays and the upcoming anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks Author of the article: By Chris Knight Published Sep 08, 2026 Last updated 7 hours ago 2 minute read Join the conversation Holy Blossom Temple Synagogue, located at 1950 Bathurst St., in Toronto, on July 25, 2025. PHOTO BY PETER J. THOMPSON /National Post Article content Toronto Chief of Police Myron Demkiw and Mayor Olivia Chow have provided an update on safety plans for the Jewish High Holy Days, with the police chief outlining a host of measures that will be in place this year. Article content In a press conference Tuesday afternoon at Toronto Police Headquarters, Demkiw said the Toronto police would have “an increased presence, both visible and covert, in strategic areas to help keep people safe.” Article content Article content Article content This includes embedding Toronto police officers with the Jewish Security Network, an independent, professional agency launched in 2024 by the United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto. There will also be command posts set up, including one at Bathurst and Sheppard. Article content NP Posted Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Task Force Guardian, which was launched in the spring, will also be deployed, adding officers with specialized tactical training and access to patrol rifles. Article content “We have seen an alarming increase in hate-motivated incidents targeting the Jewish communities in Toronto and indeed in cities around the world,” Demkiw said. Article content He added that, since Oct. 7, 2023, Toronto police have made 573 arrests and laid 1,398 charges “in connection with demonstrations, protests and hate-motivated offences.” Article content After the High Holy Days, he continued, “we will maintain an enhanced presence throughout the anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks, to help ensure the safety of our communities.” Article content In her remarks, Chow said: “Jewish Torontonians should…