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Photo by CNW Group/York University

Politicians and Jewish groups expressed concern about hatred, racism and violence they said was on display at Vari Hall, York’s main student centre.

“I am disappointed that York University allowed for a hate-filled protest to take place last night at Vari Hall. I stand with the Jewish students and the Jewish community,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

Toronto’s Mayor John Tory said he supports free speech and the right to protest, “but there is absolutely no place for hate or violence in Toronto.”

Video posted to social media of the protest showed little outright violence, but many people jostling in an unruly crowd overseen by police, and loud chanting of “Viva viva Palestina,” “Occupation is a crime,” “viva intifada (uprising)” and “One two three four occupation no more five six seven eight Israel is an apartheid state.”

Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook told the Canadian Press there was a physical altercation involving several people, and one person suffered minor injuries.

There were no arrests although some people were removed by police.

The event was disrupted by the protest but managed to continue, aided by police barring the doors and eventually escorting attendees out. They had seen a presentation by Reservists on Duty, a group of former Israel Defense Forces soldiers who speak on campuses in opposition to anti-Semitism and especially the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement to delegitimize Israel.