Toronto Jewish Realtor Attacked by Self-Identified Houthi

Toronto Police said on June 30 that Abdulkadir Al-Jelani, 58, was arrested after a suspected hate-motivated assault near Jane Street and Lawrence Avenue West. Police say the suspect approached a victim at about 12:10 p.m., yelled anti-Israeli slurs, threw rocks and other items, uttered death threats and caused minor injuries; they believe religious attire made the victim a target. The victim was identified as Jewish realtor and lawyer Joseph Bitton, who said the attacker claimed to be from Yemen and a Houthi. Diaspora Jews deserve visible Jewish life without fear, and Israel's fight against antisemitism is a civil-rights and security duty.