Violent ambush
TORONTO CHAOS: Pro-Palestinian Mob Targets Israeli Comedian Guy Hochman | WATCH
"Am Israel Chai" vs. The Mob: Watch the chaotic clashes as pro-Palestinian protesters attempt to assault Israeli comedian Guy Hochman in Toronto. Police made arrests after his manager was injured shielding him.
Israeli stand-up comedian Guy Hochman endured a tumultuous night in Toronto after being detained at the airport, facing heated protests, and surviving an attempted assault by pro-Palestinian activists.
Hochman arrived in Toronto late Monday night, only to be held for six hours of questioning at the airport following a criminal complaint filed by the pro-Palestinian organization "Hind Rajab Foundation." The group accused him of unspecified offenses, prompting the delay. He was eventually released after interventions by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and the Israeli consul in Toronto.
Undeterred, Hochman proceeded to his scheduled show at the Prosserman Jewish Community Centre. Outside the venue, a volatile demonstration awaited, with protesters waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans like "You'll never be here; we're all with Palestine." Hochman countered with shouts of "Am Israel Chai" (The People of Israel Live), escalating the confrontation.
The situation peaked when a protester attempted to assault Hochman. The show's manager intervened to protect him, sustaining injuries in the process. Local police arrested the assailant on the spot.
The uproar stems from calls by some Canadian parliament members to deny Hochman entry, fueled by pro-Palestinian campaigns against him. The Hind Rajab Foundation had petitioned Canadian authorities to block his visit while simultaneously lodging the criminal complaint.
Despite the chaos, the performance went ahead as planned.