The rise in antisemitism around the globe following October 7 is worrying enough, but the problem has been exacerbated by the relative lack of action by law enforcement, especially in countries like the US, Australia and Canada.
This might help explain the situation in Toronto at least.
Constables Haroon Siddiqui and Farhan Ali — both Muslim liaison officers — hosted an episode of the police-produced Project Olive Branch where they made a number of questionable comments, including praising the Oct. 7 2023 Hamas terror attacks for an increase in converts to Islam.
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The podcast episode was uploaded, in four parts, to Ali’s official Instagram page on Monday — but by Tuesday morning, the post had been deleted.
The episode never appeared on the podcast’s YouTube page.
The Toronto Police posted the following statement:
We acknowledge that a recent episode of our podcast, Project Olive Branch, has caused significant upset and concern in the Jewish community and beyond. That was not our intention and we apologize. The podcast has been removed.
“We recognize the Jewish community’s profound pain and anguish as a result of October 7th and the ensuing rise of anti-Semitism. I have personally heard from the community about the impact of this podcast, and I’m truly sorry. Our commitment to protecting our Jewish communities remains unwavering,” said Chief Myron Demkiw.
Chief Demkiw has ordered a review of our procedures and content to ensure it aligns with our commitment to respectful and inclusive engagement, while maintaining impartiality.
While the podcast has been removed, problematic parts have been floating around the Internet, so I collected them and added subtitles (along with a scene at the end showing how the police officers involved seem to be outright lying about the nature of the anti-Israel protests).
Besides the removal of the podcast, I call for these officers to be dismissed – what Jew or even non-Muslim would feel comfortable around them? (it is my understanding that Muslim Liaison Officers in the Toronto Police Service are typically sworn police officers, meaning they have full police powers, including the authority to make arrests, enforce laws, and carry a firearm).
And there needs to be an investigation into the police force, and its hiring practices. While one should have no problem with Muslim police officers per se, there needs to be due diligence taken regarding the views of all prospective officers.
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