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Toronto (March 31, 2026) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is raising serious concern over a candidate convicted of advocating genocide and promoting hate against Jews who is now running in the upcoming federal by-election in the Toronto riding of University–Rosedale.

Leslie Bory was confirmed last week as a candidate, with no party affiliation, in University–Rosedale, home to a significant Jewish population and major community institutions, including the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre.

Early last year, Bory was found guilty of advocating genocide, wilful promotion of hatred and uttering threats after posting incitement-laden online videos in which he glorified Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, denied the Holocaust, spread antisemitic conspiracy theories and called for violence against Jewish people, police and specific politicians. He was also found in possession of firearms and ammunition.

In his deeply disturbing videos, Bory accused Jews of orchestrating a genocide "against white people" and openly promoted the "extermination" of Jews, stating, "You’re doing exactly to the Jews what they’re trying to do to us, and this COVID murder is 1,000 Holocausts worth of killing." He also urged his followers to bring their guns and ammunition to his home to "go on safari" and "take back our nation."

He was sentenced to 36 months – equivalent to his two years of time served – plus one year of probation, a ruling that FSWC criticized at the time as a “minimal sentence.”

Ahead of last year’s federal election, FSWC raised alarm over Bory running in the electoral district of Brantford–Brant South–Six Nations, following multiple past attempts to run in federal and provincial elections. The Canada Elections Act does not automatically bar individuals with a criminal record from seeking public office.

In communication with Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault, FSWC urged that safeguards be put in place to protect members of the Jewish community and others targeted by Bory’s hateful rhetoric, particularly given his access to a complete list of voters in the riding.

"Allowing an individual with a history of inciting violence against Jews to access the names and addresses of everyone living in a downtown Toronto riding presents an obvious threat to community safety," said Michael Levitt, President and CEO of FSWC. "This isn’t a matter of political disagreement – it’s about protecting communities from someone who has openly called for their harm. We are calling on all responsible authorities to ensure that every possible safeguard is in place to uphold the safety and integrity of our democratic process and protect the security of our community."