FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2022
The following is a statement from The Working Group Against Jew-Hatred:
The Working Group Against Jew-Hatred (AJH) Raises Concerns Over Possible Jew-Hate Rally
On the same week that politicians, community leaders and Canadians posted heartfelt messages to commemorate the six million men, women and children who were tortured and murdered during the Holocaust just for being Jewish, The Working Group AJH hopes we are not expected to quietly endure what could very well be another round of messages of intolerance and hate.
Hands Off Palestine Toronto is a planned march from Dundas Square to the Israeli Consulate on January 29, 2022, organized by Palestinian rights activist groups.
“I am hopeful that this will not be a hate-filled display. It is heartbreaking to hear from constituents about the disrespect to the descendants of the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides, especially when the government does indeed possess the tools to put an end to public displays of hate,” stated MPP for Thornhill, Gila Martow.
“Organizers of hate rallies in the past include speakers and chants that call for the genocide of the Jews in Israel, and other hateful remarks. Many in the crowd expressed visceral hatred of Jews. Events of this nature would be refused a City of Toronto permit, because of the clear past violations of the City of Toronto anti-discrimination policy and Hate Rally Policy. Based on past experience, this event should be condemned by all levels of government,” says City of Toronto Councillor James Pasternak.
“We strongly urge Toronto Police Service and Toronto city staff to closely monitor this planned event and take appropriate measures as a consequence of any and all bylaws, Criminal Code and city policy infractions,” continued Councillor Pasternak.
The Working Group AJH calls on the organizers of this rally to join other organizations from around the world who have chosen to refocus their message on support and tolerance for all communities.
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For more information, please contact:
Becky Battat | becky.battat@pc.ola.org | 905-731-8462
About the Working Group Against Jew-Hatred (AJH)
The Working Group Against Jew-Hatred (AJH) is a group of grassroot organizations concerned with the rise of antisemitism in Ontario.
