A Vaughan man, Kenneth Jeewan Gobin, has been sentenced to 12 months in custody followed by two years of probation after being found guilty of assaulting a group of individuals as they made their way home from a synagogue. The incident occurred on January 6, 2024, when four Jewish adults were approached by Gobin, who was riding an electric bicycle in the area of Bathurst Street and Flamingo Road.
According to York Regional Police, they received reports about a suspected hate-motivated attack targeting the victims at approximately 1:45 p.m. on that day. The report indicated that Gobin engaged the victims in an argument, during which he spat at them and made anti-Semitic remarks before fleeing the scene on his bicycle. This aggressive act prompted the police to take quick action in response to the hate crime.
In the judicial proceedings, the court evaluated numerous victim and community impact statements, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll the assault had on the victims. Following these testimonials, a judge convicted Gobin of two counts of assault and one count of breach of probation. His sentencing included a period of custody, and he is required to serve two years of probation following his release.
In a press release, York Regional Police emphasized the seriousness with which they regard hate crimes and reiterated their commitment to investigating all reports of hate or bias incidents thoroughly. The police made it clear that acts of hate, like those perpetrated by Gobin, will not be tolerated in the community.
The incident has sparked strong reactions from various organizations, particularly the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC), a Jewish human rights organization that labeled the unprovoked attack as "vile." Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, the Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at FSWC, expressed appreciation for the judge's decision, asserting that when hatred is paired with physical aggression, it poses a significant threat to both public safety and social cohesion.
Kirzner-Roberts remarked on the historical implications of ignoring such acts of hatred, stating that they could lead to more widespread violence. He underscored the importance of viewing these incidents not as isolated events but rather as part of a larger, troubling historical pattern that must be addressed seriously. His comments concluded with a call to action, emphasizing that the sentence delivered in Gobin’s case sends a powerful message that hate-fueled violence will face consequences.
