Toronto constable praised for ‘great policing’ during chaotic protest

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It was not an “if looks could kill” moment, but it was close.

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It was more of a “don’t even think about it” vibe that some cops can convey with their eyes and their approach. It was a look of steeliness, fairness, integrity and authority few dare to challenge — as in sending a message there is no getting past this cop.

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As supporters of Hamas beat a loud drum of intimidation during weekend protests, this Toronto cop was the epitome of grace under pressure, calm under duress and strength without ever raising her voice or threatening a use-of-force option.

Sometimes it takes a rookie cop to set the example of how it should be done. Const. Reem Raza is that Toronto Police officer in her first year on the job who did exactly that Saturday at Gerrard St. E. and Parliament St., while gaining the respect of protesters, peers and the public alike.

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She was impressive, but not the only one doing great work out there. Others keeping it safe out there included her partner Const. Jason Ferreira and Sgt. Royce McDonald. Without their measured efforts, who knows how bad this thing could have blown up?

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“It was great policing,” said one Raza’s impressed peers.

In 51 Division, she’s known for her steady approach. In her dealing with well-known pro-Palestinian advocate Naveed Awan, she looked like a seasoned veteran. A picture taken by talented freelance photographer Mark Wickens tells the story.

“Iconic. Canadian. Emblematic of Truth North Strong and Free,” posted MPP Lisa MacLeod.

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It was inspirational and a reminder that there is law and order and there are people who ensure that.

“I love this photo,” said my colleague Warren Kinsella, who brought it to my attention and added he enjoyed “how utterly fearless she looks.”

Raza will celebrate a full year on the force next month.

The truth is, despite the whining by those who support Hamas and other full-time, Marxist-style protesters who have taken up the cause, the Toronto Police deserve a gold medal for how they have handled almost seven months of daily demonstrations.

“In the last two weeks we have seen dramatic escalations and violence at the hands of the Toronto Police,” said Palestinian Youth Movement’s Dalia Awwad outside of headquarters on Monday. “These escalations are in an attempt to criminalize and intimidate pro-Palestinian protesters off the streets.”

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That is something they have vowed from the beginning will never happen.

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But suggesting police are not letting them protest is far from the truth. Police have been very patient and accommodating following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. They have been working most days, take incredible verbal and physical abuse and only lay charges when the line gets flagrantly crossed.

Over the weekend, they laid three charges against anti-Israel protesters during a demonstration that allegedly turned “aggressive and assaultive” toward police. Police said one woman allegedly threw horse manure at officers and another allegedly used a flagpole “to spear at an officer.” The charges against Assia Rami, 24, and Celeste Xiaoying Furlotte-Bois, 27, have not been heard in court and they are innocent until proven guilty.

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But it takes a lot of nerve to go to the police station and preach about “defunding” them when they have been more than reasonable.

Protesters have been chanting about “intifada” and using the anti-Israel slogan, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” The cops are not the problem. Those opposed to the Jewish state are.

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“Police have shown enormous restraint and professionalism in light of over 400 protests since Oct. 7,” said Councillor James Pasternak. “Police have managed to de-escalate hundreds of situations with minimal harm to persons and property.”

Toronto Police said they use “necessary force” when “faced with violence and aggression” and that no one was injured during the weekend protest. The Toronto Police Association said officers ensured demonstrators could protest “safely, peacefully and respectfully” and asked for the same level of respect that is extended to protesters. That has not happened.

Protesting is a charter right, but pushing, shoving, threatening, shutting down events, vandalizing Jewish businesses, surrounding entrances of hospitals and comedy clubs and blocking roadways are not.

If not for the police, who knows what some hot head might end up doing?

You need professionals like Raza and her peers standing up for public safety and thankfully Toronto does.

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