A Toronto man is facing 29 charges, including two rare charges of “wilful promotion of hatred” and “advocating genocide” of Jews.
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) said Amir Arvahi Azar, 32, was arrested on Jan. 11.
“The charges include public incitement of hatred,” Deputy Rob Johnson said in an online video.
“They also include advocating genocide and willful promotion of hatred, which both require the consent of the Ministry of the Attorney General,” Johnson said.
All of the incidents are alleged to have occurred between April 26, 2024, and Jan. 3, 2025, police said.
The court has put a publication ban on the case, TPS said, limiting the details they can provide.
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Azar also faces five counts of arson, two counts of mischief under $5,000, seven counts of mischief to cultural property, uttering threats, and criminal harassment, according to TPS.
Police have also charged him with several weapons charges, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of credit card data, and possession of a forgery instrument.
He has been released on bail with several conditions.
“We know that these charges are very serious and that people are concerned,” Johnson said. “I want to assure everyone that we will continue to do everything we can to keep our community safe.”
The charges come after TPS said they have been dealing with an increase in crimes against the Jewish community following the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
In October 2024, TPS said there had been 358 confirmed hate crime occurrences—a 42.6 percent increase since that time the previous year.
The greatest increase was against the Jewish community, police said, an increase of 74.5 percent for a total of 164 occurrences.
Jewish Groups Respond
B’nai Brith director of research and advocacy Rich Robertson told The Epoch Times the crimes were part of an ongoing problem.
“This is the result of when we allow hate to ferment on our streets without consequence,” he said in a phone interview. “These incidents, these types of hate speech targeting a specific community, do not occur in a vacuum. It’s the result of months and years of the incitement of hatred on Canadian streets, and we’re now seeing the real-world consequences.”
He said it was impossible for the Jewish community not to be concerned over safety after the charges, and a “number of serious threats against the community.”
Adam Minsky, president and CEO of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, told The Epoch Times in an email statement that the Jewish community was “deeply concerned” over the arrest and charges.
“This disturbing case highlights the escalation of antisemitism and serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to confront hate in all its forms.”
He said the organization commends law enforcement for taking action, and hoped the justice system would hold Azar accountable for the “heinous acts.”
“It is imperative that we continue to work together to combat hate and ensure that all members of our society are treated with respect and dignity and feel safe in their community,” Minsky said.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) said it was monitoring the case closely.
“We are encouraged to see law enforcement and Crown prosecutors upholding the rule of law and taking action to hold individuals accountable for alleged hate-motivated crimes,” CIJA Vice President Michelle Stock said in a post on social media.
She said it was essential that authorities have “zero tolerance” for criminal conduct.
