Toronto police have banned protests on residential streets near Bathurst and Sheppard in North York, citing increased volatility and fear within the largely Jewish community. Demonstrations will still be permitted at the main intersection and along major roads, but officers will prevent movement into nearby residential areas. Police said individuals who fail to comply may face arrest.

The neighborhood has experienced near weekly anti Israel protests since October 7, 2023, some of which have included violent chants and the display of antisemitic imagery. Authorities confirmed that 20 arrests have been made at the location in connection with protest activity and that an investigation was recently launched into antisemitic images shown during a demonstration.

The directive comes amid a broader rise in antisemitic incidents across Toronto. Several synagogues in the city and surrounding area have recently been targeted by gunfire, causing property damage but no injuries. Police data released in May showed a historic high in reported hate crimes in 2024, with the Jewish community identified as the most frequently targeted group.