Canada detains Israeli ex-soldier and comedian over Gaza complaint

In Toronto, Canada, Israeli comedian and former soldier Guy Hochman was detained and questioned on January 21, 2026. The detention followed a complaint filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation. The organization accused Hochman of committing war crimes and inciting violence in Gaza. The complaint was based on content Hochman himself posted on social media. The specific nature of the social media posts that prompted the accusations was not detailed in the report.

Israeli comedian Guy Hochman was briefly detained in Canada on Monday after a pro-Palestinian legal group filed a complaint accusing him of war crimes and inciting genocide. Hochman, a former combat soldier, was detained at Toronto Pearson airport upon arrival and questioned for six hours before being released following intervention from the Israeli consulate. The complaint, supported by multiple legal organizations, alleges Hochman participated in the destruction of a mosque in Rafah in September 2024 and made public statements inciting violence against Palestinians. The Hind Rajab Foundation has also filed a similar complaint with US authorities, urging them to investigate Hochman before his scheduled performance in New York City. Hochman confirmed the detention on social media, stating he was eventually allowed to enter Canada.