Toronto Man Charged with 29 Offences in Alleged Hate Crime Spree Targeting Jewish Institutions

Amir Arvahi Azar faces rare charges of advocating genocide and willful promotion of hatred, with prosecutors seeking terrorism classification.

The alleged crimes occurred between April 2024 and January 2025, targeting Jewish community institutions, including five synagogues in Toronto.
Azar is accused of arson, vandalism, and making threats, including a voicemail threatening to harm staff at the Forest Hill Jewish Centre.
The charges include rarely used hate speech offences, advocating genocide and willful promotion of hatred, requiring approval from the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Prosecutors are pursuing terrorism classification for the case, reflecting the severity of the allegations and potential sentencing implications.
Azar was released on bail under strict conditions, including house arrest and GPS monitoring, pending further court proceedings.