Dear Chief Demkiw and Members of the Toronto Police Service Board,
I am writing to express my outrage and profound disappointment over the most recent episode of the Project Olive Branch podcast, hosted by Officer Ali Farhan and Officer Haroon Siddiqui. Recorded within the Traffic Services Unit, this episode was not just inappropriate—it was inflammatory, dangerous, and a betrayal of the Jewish community that relies on the Toronto Police Service for protection.
It is beyond shameful that two serving officers have used an official police platform to push a false narrative that minimizes terrorism, sanitizes extremist rhetoric, and seeks to justify the violent, hateful behavior that has become commonplace on our streets. For months, Torontonians have watched as pro-Palestinian demonstrations—often openly tied to Hamas propaganda—have escalated into hate-fueled marches that promote violence, destruction, and the elimination of an entire people. Officer Farhan’s claim that these rallies are peaceful is not just false—it is a slap in the face to every resident who has been harassed, threatened, or assaulted in broad daylight. It is shameful to that two TPS officers attempt to weaponize Islamophobia to justify these hate rallies.
Week after week, these rallies have glorified terrorism. Protesters have waved the flags of designated terrorist organizations, chanted praise for Hamas and other extremist leaders, called for the annihilation of Israel, and engaged in intimidation tactics against Jewish Canadians. This is not peaceful protest. This is incitement, and it is unacceptable for members of the Toronto Police Service to dismiss it—let alone defend it.
Furthermore, Officer Farhan has already shown documented connections to extremism and questionable Islamic leaders (like Hamas leader Sinwar) concerns that were publicly brought to light in January 2025. This is not an isolated incident. There have been ongoing concerns regarding his alignment with radical ideologies and his misuse of his position within the Toronto Police Service. Why is an officer with these known affiliations still being allowed to publicly represent the Toronto Police Service?
Most disturbingly, Officer Farhan and Officer Siddiqui chose to highlight an increase in Muslim conversions since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack. The implication here is chilling. Are we meant to take this as a celebration? A sign of victory? What exactly is being suggested when a massacre—the deadliest against Jews since the Holocaust—is framed as a moment of religious inspiration? For Toronto Police officers to endorse this message is not only disturbing; it raises serious questions about their allegiances and their ability to fairly serve all communities.
Chief Demkiw, your statement on this matter has only deepened our sense of betrayal.
While you acknowledge the Jewish community’s pain and anguish, you fail to take any real accountability for the fact that two of your officers used a police platform to justify extremism, downplay terrorism, and push a narrative that emboldens those who seek to harm Jews. Your department has repeatedly taken an approach that coddles the Muslim community while vilifying the Jewish one.
The contrast is glaring. Your officers ensure that pro-Palestinian protesters feel heard, even as they chant for the destruction of Israel. Meanwhile, Jews in this city are forced to fend for themselves as hate marches, threats, and harassment go unpunished. Where is the outrage from the Toronto Police when Jews are harassed on the subway, when Jewish schools receive bomb threats and are shot at, when visibly Jewish residents are targeted for violence? The Jewish community has been left to fend for itself while the Toronto Police actively downplays the threats against us.
Deleting the podcast is not enough. An apology is not enough. This is a public safety crisis.
Officer Farhan and Officer Siddiqui are not just violating public trust—they are actively endangering all Toronto residents. Their rhetoric emboldens those who seek to spread hate and division. This is no longer just about a podcast. This is about the systemic failure of the Toronto Police Service to address the growing wave of antisemitic extremism in this city.
This situation demands immediate and decisive action at the highest levels. I expect the following steps to be taken without delay:
Immediate and transparent disciplinary action against Officer Farhan and Officer Siddiqui, including their removal from all public engagement roles.
A full investigation into their conduct, including a review of any extremist ties or biases that may have influenced their policing.
A clear and unequivocal public condemnation from the Toronto Police Service leadership rejecting the rhetoric expressed in the podcast and reaffirming the service’s commitment to protecting all residents from hate and extremism.
Immediate enforcement of existing laws against hate rallies, terrorist glorification, and public intimidation tactics—including swift arrests and prosecutions of those who violate them.
We will not sit silently while police officers endorse narratives that justify the spread of extremism. The Toronto Police Service must now prove that it serves all communities fairly and without bias. This is your moment to show leadership—or to confirm the worst fears of the Jewish community about where your department truly stands.
I look forward to your prompt and decisive response.
Sincerely,
Leon Kushner, Toronto
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