Two people are in hospital after demonstrators forced their way into an event where former members of the Israeli Defence Force were preparing to speak to a group of university students.
Toronto police say they were called to Elm and Bay streets just after 1 p.m. on Wednesday regarding a demonstration.
The gathering was being hosted off-campus by an organization called Students Supporting Israel, which is a registered student group at Toronto Metropolitan University. One of the organizers tells CityNews setup was still underway when about 50 people broke into the room. Those captured on video were wearing masks, and the glass on an interior door was smashed shortly before the event began.
It’s not clear if the demonstrators are affiliated with the school or any other student group.
A statement from Hillel Ontario claims that Students for Justice in Palestine Toronto Metropolitan University put out a call to interfere with the event and encouraged others to do so.
“There should be no space for violence or intimidation on our campus or in our city. We call on the TMU administration to take urgent and immediate steps to ensure those who perpetrated today’s incident are held to account,” read the statement.
TMU said it was “deeply concerned” by the incident.
“TMU condemns any acts of aggression, intimidation, or violence, and our thoughts are with any students who may have been injured during the incident,” the university said in a statement. “The university is undertaking a review of policies to see what, if any further action, can be taken.”
Toronto Police say multiple people were arrested, but have not provided any further details.
