Afghan man threatens to blow up synagogues over Israel's actions

In November, Waisuddin Akbari, a 41-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, made serious threats against the Jewish community in Toronto, Canada. He was convicted for threatening to detonate explosives in every synagogue in the city. This troubling case ignited fear and anger among Jewish groups and local politicians, who voiced concerns over the safety of their communities. These actions were cited as part of a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents in Canada, alongside various forms of hate and violence linked to ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Akbari's threats came during a conversation at a car dealership in Aurora, where he expressed hostility towards Jews, accusing them of controlling global finance and committing genocide against Palestinians. Witnesses reported Akbari's calm demeanor while making these threatening comments, which included intentions to film attacks on synagogues for public dissemination. The salesman present, Cameron Ahmad, promptly reported the threats to the authorities, which led to Akbari's arrest the following day. During the court proceedings, the prosecution argued that Akbari's threats fit the legal definition of unlawful threats, regardless of whether he intended to act on them. Akbari attempted to refute the charges, claiming ignorance about synagogues and Jews; however, the judge found his arguments unconvincing and convicted him on counts of threatening property damage and death to members of the Jewish faith. This verdict has raised alarms among community leaders, prompting calls for action against the rising tide of antisemitism, fostering discussions on how to address and confront such hate speech. The case brings to light broader discussions regarding the safety and protection of minority communities in Canada, particularly amidst a backdrop of increasing hate incidents. Local leaders have emphasized the need for solidarity against hate and the importance of government and police accountability to ensure the safety of affected communities. Akbari's sentencing is anticipated in May, where he could face significant prison time for his actions. This case has not only instilled fear within the Jewish community but also presents a challenge for policymakers and law enforcement regarding how to address violent rhetoric effectively and protect vulnerable populations across the country.