An Israeli comedian and former combat soldier, Guy Hochman, was detained for six hours upon arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday following a complaint filed by a pro-Palestinian legal group. This complaint accused him of war crimes and incitement to genocide. His detention was resolved only after the intervention of the Israeli consulate, as reported by the Times of Israel.
The complaint was lodged by the Hind Rajab Foundation, a Belgium-based organization focused on holding Israeli military personnel accountable for actions in Gaza. They submitted a 40-page dossier that included contributions from Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights and the Legal Centre for Palestine. After his release, Hochman proceeded with his scheduled performance.
In addition to the Canadian complaint, the Hind Rajab Foundation has urged U.S. authorities to investigate Hochman, who is slated to perform in New York City. They argue that Hochman’s actions present an “imminent risk of further criminal conduct,” claiming violations of both international law and U.S. federal statutes, including the War Crimes Act and genocide statutes.
The dossier contains allegations that Hochman has made public statements advocating for severe violence against Palestinians. Specific accusations include calls for the mass killing of Palestinians, support for nuclear strikes on Gaza, and endorsing starvation and collective punishment. He allegedly stated that “not a single mosque will remain in Gaza,” a claim highlighted in the group’s findings.
Hochman confirmed his detention via social media, expressing defiance, “They tried to prevent me from performing in front of the Israeli community, I performed.” He contrasted the lively atmosphere of his performance, attended by 400 Israelis, against the backdrop of the protestors outside who were advocating for Palestine in frigid weather.
Dyab Abou Jahjah, general director of the Hind Rajab Foundation, emphasized that they are not pursuing comedians per se but are concerned about what they term “genocidal propaganda and incitement to violence.” Hochman, a veteran of the Israeli military, began producing video content in response to the attacks on October 7, 2023, and was reportedly deployed to Gaza as an entertainer for the Israeli army’s spokesperson unit.
In response to the ongoing investigations, Jake Romm, a representative for the Hind Rajab Foundation in the U.S., stated that the country has a legal obligation to address war crimes occurring within its borders. He asserted that the U.S. must choose between upholding its laws and failing to act on these serious allegations.
A spokesperson for Canada’s Border Services Agency did not comment on Hochman’s specific case but noted that foreign nationals could be subjected to secondary inspections, which may vary in duration. The U.S. justice department has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
Hochman’s case highlights the contentious nature of free speech and artistic expression against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, illustrating the complex challenges faced by artists navigating these issues on international stages.