A 29-year-old man is facing charges after Israeli flags were set on fire near a church last Wednesday in Toronto’s east end. It happened at around 1 a.m. near the Word of Faith International Centre, located near Sunrise Avenue and O’Connor Drive. Toronto police allege the accused removed the flags that were in front of the church, lit them on fire, then fled the area. No injuries were reported. Police said previously they were investigating this incident as a hate-motivated offence. Investigators identified the accused at a demonstration in downtown Toronto on Saturday afternoon, located near Dundas and Yonge streets. In a news release issued Tuesday, police said they charged Syed Raza, of Toronto. Raza has been charged with four offences, including arson, mischief and disobey lawful order of court. The charges have not been tested in court.
