Edmonton police lay charges after online posts threaten the Jewish community

(AJNews) – In the past month two individuals in Edmonton have been charged with uttering threats against the Jewish community.

Edmonton police charged a 31-year-old man after online posts threatening the Jewish community were traced back to the city.

According to reports, Niagara Regional Police flagged ‘hate-motivated’ posts on December 17, 2025 and identified them as originating in Edmonton. EPS investigators were notified; they identified the suspect and issued arrest warrants. Amjad Jaradat was arrested on Dec. 19 and charged with uttering threats.

Jaradat, who resides in Saskatoon, was released under strict court conditions. The conditions include house arrest with limited exceptions, a ban on internet capable devices and social media use, and prohibitions on weapons and firearms. He is also barred from being near Jewish places of worship, community centres, related events, and any Israel Palestine related protests or vigils.

​The EPS Hate Crimes Unit is recommending that Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada be applied in this case, allowing the courts to consider increased sentencing when there is evidence the offence may have been motivated by hatred.

He will appear in court in early February.

“Following recent events in Australia, as well as ongoing conflicts taking place in various countries across the globe, we want to assure our local faith communities that, regardless of denomination, your safety is our priority,” says EPS Chief Warren Driechel. “This investigation is an example of how police across Canada continuously work together to combat hatred and violence.

“Whether online or in person, hate has no place in our society, and we will continue to investigate these incidents to the fullest extent.”

The Jewish Federation of Edmonton welcomed the news of the arrest stating on X. “We commend authorities from across Canada for their swift work.”

“In light of what took place in Australia and Bondi Beach, we appreciate that this is being taken very seriously locally,”  said Federation CEO Stacey Leavitt-Wright.

In a separate incident, The RCMP announced an arrest on January 19 in connection with an investigation of a “hate-related offence” that they are conducting in partnership with EPS.

Members of the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team arrested a 35-year-old Edmonton resident on Dec. 20 and charged him with uttering threats. Police said the charge was laid after their investigation of a person sharing extremist views and comments threatening harm in multiple online posts against the Jewish community.

The person charged in this case is scheduled to appear in court in Edmonton on Jan. 29.

Leavitt-Wright told media that for criminal cases involving antisemitism, she believes a strong response by police and the legal system as a whole ‘can hopefully deter others who are inspired to act the same way.’

As antisemitic rhetoric increasingly moves online, rapid detection, coordinated policing, and firm enforcement is critical. “The community is concerned,” she stated, “because we know that things start with words.”

Leavitt-Wright, also spoke to CityTV News Edmonton. She emphasized that the Jewish community stands firm when facing threats. “Our community is resilient, but no one should ever have to live under the shadow of hate. We stand firm together, and we will not be intimidated.”