As tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Palestine, a viral video has sparked controversy and criticism towards the Toronto Police. The clip, initially shared on X by lawyer and investigative journalist Caryma Sa’d, shows an officer delivering coffee to anti-Israel protesters during a recent demonstration. The recipient, dressed in Palestinian garb, explains that the police have become their “little messengers” as they were not allowed to enter a highway overpass to demonstrate.
The video has received an overwhelming amount of condemnation online, with many accusing the police of showing preferential treatment to those protesting against Israel. This incident has been contrasted with how Canadian law enforcement has cracked down on other protests, such as the “Freedom Convoy” of truckers protesting COVID-19 mandates and pro-life demonstrations.
The Toronto Police Service has responded to the video, stating that their officers are “managing a dynamic situation” and that their “top priority is maintaining order in a tense environment.” They also clarified that the officers’ actions were not meant to show support for any particular group or cause. The police are working to de-escalate the situation and maintain public safety.
Canadian police are delivering free coffee and food to anti-Israel protesters outside a Jewish community in Armour Heights, Toronto.
Rewarding TERRORIST supporters with coffee? THIS IS SICK! pic.twitter.com/OXWgyNYtI8
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) January 7, 2024
However, this incident has sparked a larger conversation about trust in the police force, especially in light of recent events. Rebel News publisher Ezra Levant tweeted that “you cannot trust the police in most Canadian cities,” while also criticizing the Ottawa Police for hiding the identity of an individual charged with a series of antisemitic incidents in December. The Ottawa Police responded by stating that the individual’s name was not included in the press release due to privacy reasons.
This video comes at a time when tensions between Israel and Palestine are at an all-time high. Toronto police are also investigating a possible hate crime at a Jewish-owned grocery store, which had “Free Palestine” spray-painted outside. The incident has been labeled as a possible hate crime, and the investigation is ongoing.
The lack of transparency surrounding both the Ottawa and Toronto police incidents has only added fuel to the fire, with many questioning the motives and actions of law enforcement. Lawyer Ryan O’Connor shared screenshots of a Toronto Police Service employee initially defending the video, which were later deleted.
Toronto Police’s media relationship officer has deleted her post and her account after being ratioed into oblivion trying to rationalize Toronto Police officers delivering coffee and food to Hamas sympathizers who been blocking roads illegally for weeks and intimidating the… pic.twitter.com/C8rOyuc3fB
— Kirk Lubimov (@KirkLubimov) January 7, 2024
The actions of the Toronto Police have divided opinions, with some defending their attempts to de-escalate the situation and maintain order. However, others argue that by providing coffee to the protesters, the police are implicitly showing support for their cause.
