Toronto, Canada: Toronto Police are investigating a suspected hate crime after a Jewish real estate agent was allegedly assaulted and threatened while on his way to meet a client at a commercial plaza.
The victim, Joseph Bitton, said the incident occurred while he was travelling to a business meeting in Toronto. In a statement shared on social media, Bitton alleged that the attacker identified himself as a Shiite Houthi Muslim from Yemen and threatened to kill him because he is Jewish and because of his support for Israel.
According to Bitton, the confrontation began after the suspect made accusations against Israel, claiming it was responsible for killing children and committing genocide against Palestinians. Bitton said the suspect then allegedly became violent, throwing a parking ticket dispenser, bricks, stones, and metal objects before striking him with a large wooden branch.
Bitton suffered scratches and minor physical injuries during the incident. However, he said the emotional impact of the attack was far greater than the physical injuries.
“This is not the Canada where I grew up and lived for the past 64 years,” Bitton wrote.
Toronto Police responded to the scene following the incident and arrested the suspect. Authorities have launched an investigation and are treating the case as a suspected hate crime, according to the victim.
Police have not yet released the identity of the suspect or announced any formal charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over reports of antisemitic incidents across Canada, with community leaders calling for stronger measures to address hate-motivated violence.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Toronto Police as the investigation continues.
