Canada-based anti-Israel group calls for arrest of Israeli comedian

The organization did not specify the legal grounds for the complaint or what charges it intends to pursue.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

An anti-Israel advocacy group said it plans to file a criminal complaint with Canadian authorities against Israeli comedian Guy Hochman ahead of his scheduled performance in Toronto, accusing him of incitement and propaganda related to the Gaza war.

The Hind Rajab Foundation said Sunday that it would seek legal action in Canada in connection with Hochman’s appearance later that day.

In a post on X, the group labeled Hochman a “war propagandist and inciter” and accused him of praising Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

The organization did not specify the legal grounds for the complaint or what charges it intends to pursue.

The foundation said it was acting in coordination with Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights, which also announced plans to file a complaint.

In its own X post, CLAIHR wrote that Hochman “plans to come to Toronto on January 19” and alleged that he “glorifies and incites war crimes and genocide.”

The group said it was working with HRF “to see that he’s stopped at the border or arrested if he does.”

HRF, named after a five-year-old Palestinian girl whose death became a symbol during the Gaza war, said it has submitted dozens of complaints in approximately 15 countries targeting Israel Defense Forces personnel.

The group said its actions are aimed at holding individuals accountable for alleged violations connected to the conflict.

The organizations accused Hochman of political activity and rhetoric they claim violate Canadian immigration and public order rules.

They also cited his past military service, describing him as a former Israeli combat soldier who later turned to comedy and online content.

According to the groups, Hochman has gained prominence by producing videos featuring Israeli soldiers in military settings. They added that he was rejected as a reservist after October 7, 2023.

Hochman responded publicly by sharing HRF’s post and saying his Toronto show would proceed as planned.

In a message posted on X, he wrote that he was “excited to represent the optimistic Israeli spirit, the Jewish courage, and the IDF soldiers fighting to protect the citizens of the Jewish state.”

“Am Yisrael Chai. With pride and a smile,” he added.

Canadian authorities have not publicly commented on the announced complaints or on whether any action would be taken ahead of the performance.