Canada detains ‘Israeli’ soldier/comedian on Gaza war crimes complaints

• ‘Israeli’ soldier/comedian Guy Hochman was detained for six hours at Toronto Pearson International Airport yesterday, after the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) submitted a 40-page dossier to Canadian authorities accusing him of inciting genocide and war crimes during his volunteer service in Gaza.
• The criminal complaint alleges that Hochman used his social media platform to dehumanize Palestinians, advocate for the use of nuclear weapons, and celebrate the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including a mosque in Rafah, content he claims is comedy.

Canadian border officials detained ‘Israeli’ comedian and former soldier Guy Hochman for approximately six hours at Toronto Pearson International Airport yesterday, following a criminal complaint accusing him of war crimes and incitement to genocide.

The complaint, filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) and supported by Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights, stemmed from Hochman's social media activity and his role in the ‘Israeli’ assault on Gaza.

Hochman, who was en route to perform a stand-up show in Toronto as part of his North American tour, claimed the interrogation as an attempt to bar him from entering the country.

Guy Hochman, born in 1988 and holding dual ‘Israeli’-Greek citizenship, is a stand-up comedian and a former combat soldier in the ‘Israeli’ military.

He was initially deemed unfit for reservist duty due to a medical condition but later volunteered in Gaza after Oct. 7, 2023.

Hochman produced videos and content while in uniform, where he promoted violence and destruction of Gaza and Palestinians.

The HRF's allegations against Hochman are detailed in a comprehensive investigative report, accusing him of inciting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal acts through his public statements.

Evidence includes social media posts dehumanizing Palestinians, calling for unrestricted revenge, advocating mass killings, destruction of infrastructure, and blocking humanitarian aid.

Specific examples cite Hochman's endorsements of nuclear strikes and praising military units implicated in abuses.

The foundation also raised concerns over footage potentially linking him to the demolition of a mosque in Rafah.

Upon arrival from Miami, where he had performed the previous day, Hochman underwent extensive questioning by Canadian authorities.

The detention delayed his schedule but did not prevent his entry, which was facilitated by intervention from the ‘Israeli’ consulate.

HRF representatives expressed satisfaction with the initial response but noted that the complaint seeks further investigation under Canadian law regarding international crimes.

Following his release, Hochman proceeded to perform at a Jewish community center in North York, Toronto, entertaining an audience of around 400 attendees.

In a post on X, he framed the incident as a victory, stating, "They tried to stop me from entering Canada, but after 6 hours of being detained, I got in. They tried to prevent me from performing... and while they kept shouting ‘free Palestine’... we warmed up with laughter."