5 Toronto police officers face punishment for controversial comments after Oct. 7
JTA — Five Toronto police officers speaking on a Muslim outreach podcast about the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led onslaught in southern Israel “made statements that were biased or inappropriate,” police said.The officers violated police standards and now face a penalty, added Elise Higgitt, an inspector for the Toronto Police Service.Multiple people had complained about the March 10, 2025, episode of the “Project Olive Branch” podcast. The complainants received Higgitt’s letter about the disciplinary action on Friday and posted it online.The podcast had been launched to advance relations between the police and Muslim residents, and was hosted by Muslim officers. The episode in question is no longer online, but according to the National Post, the police officers spoke about an “unbelievable” number of people who had converted to Islam after the Hamas-led invasion and massacre, referring to them as “reverts.”Jewish groups said the comments cast the attack, in which terrorists killed…
Five Toronto police officers are facing disciplinary action for "biased or inappropriate" comments made during a March 10, 2025, episode of the "Project Olive Branch" podcast. The podcast, hosted by Muslim officers, aimed to improve relations with Muslim residents. During the episode, which is no longer online, officers reportedly discussed an "unbelievable" number of conversions to Islam after the October 7 Hamas-led attack, referring to converts as "reverts." Jewish groups criticized these comments for potentially portraying the attack positively. Toronto Police Service Inspector Elise Higgitt stated the officers committed "misconduct" under the Community Safety and Policing Act, undermining public trust. The matter has been sent to a professionalism committee for penalty. Police Chief Myron Demkiw apologized, stating, "Our commitment to protecting our Jewish communities remains unwavering."
© All rights to the original article belong to the source. Din Online shows a headline, an excerpt and a link only. The objectivity rating is computed automatically and is an estimate only.
Discussion
No comments yet — be the first to comment.