Hillel Fuld, a prominent Israeli commentator, recently warned that antisemitism has escalated to alarming levels. He predicted a significant attack on Jews could occur soon. Fuld's previous predictions have raised concerns, particularly his assertion that “something big was about to happen and Israel would be at the center of it.”

In a related incident, Waisuddin Akbari, a man with antisemitic beliefs, was sentenced for making threats against Jewish communities in Toronto. On March 4, 2024, Akbari confided to Cameron Ahmad, a fellow Muslim, about his plan to bomb synagogues in Toronto, aiming to kill as many Jews as possible. He ominously told Ahmad to remember his face, suggesting he would soon be in the news.

Ahmad reported Akbari's threats to the police, leading to Akbari's arrest. During the trial, Akbari denied making the statements. However, he was found guilty of uttering threats against Jews and property. The prosecution sought a four-to-six month jail sentence, but on July 28, Judge Edward Prutschi sentenced Akbari to 60 days of house arrest and three years of probation. His probation includes mandatory antisemitism education, a ban on possessing weapons or incendiary devices, and a requirement to stay 200 meters away from any synagogue or Jewish institution.

The sentence was met with disappointment from Jewish community representatives. A spokesperson for B’nai Brith Canada described Akbari’s threats as a “shot through the metaphorical heart of the Jewish community.” A representative from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs expressed concern that such threats could normalize hate speech and lead to real violence. A member of the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation warned that Canada is on a troubling path.

Judge Prutschi acknowledged the fear and despair felt by the Jewish community, as detailed in five community impact statements submitted during the trial. However, he noted that these statements were not legally relevant to the case. Extensive searches of Akbari’s home revealed no weapons or evidence of planning or affiliation with extremist groups. The judge emphasized that Akbari's guilt stemmed from private comments made to Ahmad, who he mistakenly believed would share his hateful views.

The judge concluded that Akbari posed no significant risk to public safety. Akbari, 41, is now unemployed, having lost his shawarma shop franchise license due to his conviction. He has faced harassment and fears leaving his home. His Ismaili Muslim community, while shocked by his actions, is committed to supporting his rehabilitation.