HRF and CLAIHR are Filing a Criminal Complaint Against War Propagandist Guy Hochman

Brussels / Ottawa – 16 January 2026

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), in cooperation with Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights, has alerted Canadian authorities regarding serious concerns over the admissibility of Guy Hochman, a former Israeli combat soldier, stand-up comedian, and online content creator scheduled to perform in Toronto on 19 January 2026.

In parallel, HRF and CLAIHR confirm that they are filing a criminal complaint within the coming days, based on Mr. Hochman’s activities, public statements, and documented association with military propaganda and incitement linked to Israel’s war on Gaza.

Guy Hochman posing in military gear amid the ruins of Gaza, using the destruction of civilian areas as a backdrop for content shared online.

Admissibility Concerns Raised with Authorities

HRF and CLAIHR have alerted the relevant Canadian authorities to potential issues related to Mr. Hochman’s entry conditions, including concerns about:

• engagement in overt political activity incompatible with visitor or performer status,
• incitement to violence and collective punishment,
• association with foreign military propaganda structures,
• and alignment with individuals and units implicated in serious violations of international law.

These concerns were raised to ensure that Canadian authorities could urgently assess whether Mr. Hochman’s planned entry and public performance comply with Canadian immigration and public-order requirements.

From Performer to Military-Linked Propagandist

Guy Hochman gained prominence during Israel’s war on Gaza through his close alignment with the Israeli military. A former IDF combat soldier, he has publicly stated that after 7 October 2023 he sought to rejoin his battalion as a reservist but was rejected.

Following this, he began producing and circulating videos featuring Israeli soldiers, many recorded in military settings and disseminated online. These activities led to his recruitment into a role linked to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, an unusual position for a civilian entertainer. In this role, Hochman appeared in military uniform and disseminated messaging that glorified destruction in Gaza, promoted revenge narratives, and contributed to the normalization of war crimes.

Political Advocacy and Incitement

Beyond these media activities, Hochman has engaged in overt political advocacy, including publicly promoting and participating in actions blocking humanitarian aid trucks destined for Gaza. He described such aid as “weapons for our enemies” and encouraged others to take part.

He has also produced content for political advocacy initiatives known for advancing aggressive policies toward Palestinians and for promoting retaliatory narratives. While presenting himself internationally as a comedian, much of his recent content has moved beyond satire, using humour to dehumanize Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and pro-Palestinian demonstrators, and to normalize collective punishment.

Criminal Complaint to Follow

Based on the accumulated evidence, HRF and Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights confirm that they will file a criminal complaint within the next one to two days, accompanied by documentary material including videos, public statements, and open-source documentation.

This complaint will address criminal responsibility, distinct from immigration admissibility, and will request that Canadian authorities assess potential violations of Canadian and international law.

No Platform for Incitement or Impunity

The Hind Rajab Foundation and its partners reiterate that freedom of expression cannot be used as a shield for military propaganda, incitement to violence, or the normalization of serious international crimes.

Alerting authorities on admissibility is a first step. Criminal accountability must follow where evidence warrants it.

HRF will continue to act, with its partners, to ensure that Canada does not become a platform for incitement or a refuge for impunity.