Following the tragic loss of Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto in the line of duty, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), and Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) invite you to share a memory, message, or tribute in his honour.   Your words will be shared with Marc’s family and help celebrate the life, service, and legacy of a man who touched so many lives.   Click here to contribute a message: jewishtoronto.com/constmarcp…

We are saddened by the tragic death of Toronto Police Service Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who was killed in the line of duty today. Constable Pinizzotto served the people of Toronto for 18 years, including five years as a member of the Emergency Task Force. As Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said, “They are grieving a profound loss.” Today, that loss is felt far beyond his family and colleagues. It is felt across our city by all who value the courage and sacrifice of those who serve and protect. As the Toronto Police Service has rightly said, Constable Pinizzotto was “a hero in life, not death.” Michael Levitt, President and CEO of FSWC, said: “Constable Marc Pinizzotto dedicated his life to protecting the people of Toronto. His tragic death in the line of duty is a heartbreaking loss for his family, his colleagues and our entire city. We honour his courage, commitment and sacrifice, and extend our deepest condolences to all those mourning his loss. May his memory forever be a blessing.”

FSWC welcomes the five additional arrests announced by Toronto Police in connection with antisemitic signs displayed and distributed at the March 15 demonstration at Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West. FSWC filed the original complaint with police following this deeply disturbing incident, and we are pleased to see action being taken. It is unacceptable that hateful rhetoric and antisemitic signage continue to appear at anti-Israel demonstrations in our city. Those who promote hatred should not be able to hide behind masks or disguises to avoid accountability.

We are overjoyed to share that Esti has been found safe nearly two weeks after going missing near Earl Bales Park in Toronto. We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary outpouring of support from our community and from people who came from near and far to help search, share information and bring Esti home. Thank you as well to @TorontoPolice for their tireless investigation and extraordinary efforts throughout this search. Most importantly, we are deeply relieved that Esti has been found safe.

Shavuot is one of the major Jewish holidays, marking the moment the Jewish people received the Torah at Mount Sinai more than 3,000 years ago. Celebrated seven weeks after Passover, it is a time of learning, reflection and community. As we celebrate the giving of the Torah and the enduring strength of Jewish tradition, may this holiday inspire reflection and unity. In every generation, we carry forward our values, our history and our responsibility to stand proudly as Jewish people. Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful, peaceful and joyous Shavuot.

Earlier today, Toronto Police renewed their appeal for the public to remain vigilant in the search for Esti, who has been missing since Friday evening. The most heartbreaking moment came when Esti’s parents pleaded for their daughter to come home safely. Esti, 14, was last seen near Earl Bales Park in the area of Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West. She is described as 5’2” with a medium build and brown hair. If you have any information that may help locate her, please call 9-1-1 or Toronto Police at 416-808-3200. Please continue sharing and keeping Esti and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

The fight against antisemitism is about more than protecting Jewish communities, it’s about defending the values that make pluralistic democracies worth fighting for. As antisemitism rises across Canada and around the world, the questions facing Jews today are inseparable from the questions facing the West itself: What kind of society do we want to be? And will we have the courage to stand up for it? At Voices of Change 2026, FSWC welcomed @coldxman, @havivrettiggur and moderator @SulkinMaya for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on antisemitism, democracy, identity and the future of Jewish life in the West. Watch their full conversation here: youtube.com/watch?v=jF6kYaM-…

A major new report by the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children provides further, deeply disturbing documentation of the sexual and gender-based violence committed during the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel and against hostages held in captivity. The report, Silenced No More: Sexual Terror Unveiled, lays out extensive evidence of atrocities that were not incidental, but widespread, systematic and used as part of Hamas’ campaign of terror against Israeli civilians. At a time when too many continue to distort, justify or erase the atrocities of October 7, this report is an important reminder of the need to bear witness with clarity and resolve. The report can be found here: cc4e0711-9401-400e-ae14-65ae…

Last night, 600 members of the Jewish community and allies gathered at Beth Emeth Synagogue in Toronto for an evening of meaningful conversation with @havivrettiggur, @coldxman, moderated by @SulkinMaya. From powerful remarks on allyship and Holocaust education to a profound discussion on antisemitism, Israel, higher education and the importance of truth and storytelling in a post-October 7 world, the evening left a lasting impact on all in attendance. We are deeply grateful to Haviv Rettig Gur, Coleman Hughes and Maya Sulkin for sharing their insight and wisdom, and to @Clothomas and Bram Belzberg for their meaningful remarks. Thank you as well to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable night of dialogue, reflection and community. Together, we continue to stand proudly, strengthen our community and champion a Canada rooted in freedom, safety and shared values.

Thank you to the @CanadianFSWC for tonight’s Voices of Change conversation. A thoughtful evening on hard questions. How we confront antisemitism. How we keep faith with the values that have made Toronto a home for people from every corner of the globe. Grateful for the work this organization does, and for the chance to listen and learn.

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Jewish Canadians across the country. Established in 2018 following the passage of legislation introduced in 2016 by former MP @LevittMichael and former Senator @LindaFrum, this month invites reflection on the enduring impact of Jewish communities in shaping Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. From arts and science to sports, public service, business and advocacy, Jewish Canadians have helped build a stronger and more vibrant society. As we celebrate, we also acknowledge the very real challenges facing Jewish communities today, including the rise in antisemitism. Honouring Jewish heritage means continuing to stand up for respect, understanding and the safety of Jewish life across Canada.

A new report released this week by @bnaibrithcanada finds that antisemitism in Canada continues to rise, with 2025 marking the highest number of incidents recorded since its annual audits began in 1982. This data is a sobering reminder of both the scale of antisemitism and the daily reality facing the Jewish community. We commend B’nai Brith for this important work and urge national law enforcement and government leaders to move beyond awareness toward measurable action. Read their audit here: leagueforhumanrights.ca

FSWC welcomes the sentencing of a LaSalle, ON., man for inciting hatred against the Jewish community and weapons-related offences. This follows a criminal complaint filed by FSWC last year. The sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and the importance of accountability. Read our full statement: fswc.ca/news/fswc-applauds-s…

FSWC welcomes new charges laid against hate propagandist Travis Patron following an RCMP investigation into antisemitic content - an investigation initiated by a criminal complaint we filed. These charges send a clear message: antisemitism and hate speech have no place in Canada. Accountability matters. Read our full statement: fswc.ca/news/fswc-lauds-late…

Today, I was proud to join Premier @FordNation, and colleagues from our @OntarioPCCaucus, at the @CanadianFSWC reception here at Queen’s Park.   I want to recognize the important work that FSWC does in education and advocacy to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.   But remembrance alone is not enough.   At a time when antisemitism is rising at an alarming rate — we must stand together and say: #neveragain. We must call out antisemitism wherever it appears. An attack on one, is an attack on all.

This #YomHaShoah, we solemnly remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered in the Holocaust at the hands of unchecked evil. For every survivor and for every victim and their families, we commit to #NeverAgain be a bystander against antisemitic hate. Thank you @CanadianFSWC for a moving reception at Queen’s Park with @fordnation, colleagues, and friends.

Today, I represented Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for the Yom Hashoah commemorative ceremony. Thank you to Speaker Raj Chouhan and Minister Nina Krieger for hosting the ceremony and to the many Members of the Legislature who joined our community for Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Today on Yom HaShoah, we gathered in solemn remembrance, honouring the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators and bearing witness to the enduring strength of survivors. At Queen’s Park, Ontario leaders stood alongside members of the Jewish community for a powerful Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration hosted by FSWC, sponsored by MPPs Hon. @TeamKerzner and @MichelleC_PC. The ceremony featured moving remarks from @fordnation, members of the opposition, Holocaust survivor Renate Krakauer, and FSWC President & CEO Michael Levitt. Ontario ministers, MPPs, staff, and community members were in attendance. The program also included a screening of FSWC’s second Legacy Portrait Project film, a testament to memory, legacy and the responsibility to never forget.