Antisemitism

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Anti-Semitic acts jump 18.6% in 2020, says B'nai Brith report
Author of the article:Sue-Ann Levy
Publishing date:Apr 26, 2021 • 7 hours ago • 2 minute read • Join the conversation
B'nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn.
B'nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn.
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There were 2,610 anti-Semitic incidents in Canada last year, an 18.6% increase over 2019 — translating to the equivalent of seven incidents on average per day, the B’nai Brith reported Monday.

And according to the annual audit of anti-Semitic incidents for 2020, about one in 10 of them involved the promotion of conspiracy theories, vandalism, or violence related to the COVID pandemic.


Some 44% of the violent incidents last year were COVID-related, half of those against visibly observant Jews who were denied service at various retailers, spat on, assaulted randomly, pelted by items, and shot with air pellets, the audit says.

Ran Ukashi, special adviser to the League for Human Rights, referred to the “peddling of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.”

According to the audit, incidents included blaming Jews and/or Israel for the creation and spread of the COVID virus, as well as “wild accusations” that global Jewish support was “deliberately preventing” Palestinians from receiving treatment for the virus.

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“This is entirely consistent with episodes from history when Jews have been blamed as in Medieval times for the plague and other diseases,” said B’nai Brith CEO Michael Mostyn.

Mostyn said anti-Semitism continues to be a “very serious problem” in Canada — emanating both from the right and left ends of the political spectrum.

He notes that while Jews make up only 1% of the population of Canada, 15% of all hate crimes in the country are directed against them, he added.


“They are the country’s most targeted religious minority group,” he said.

“As Canadians spent much of 2020 under lockdown, anti-Semitism did not take the year off,” Mostyn added.

Ukashi said there was a 70% increase in online anonymous anti-Semitism as well as a noted increase in the desecration of holy places and holy items — in particular the removal of mezuzot affixed to the front doors of Jewish homes.

The audit shows there was a 44% increase in incidents in Ontario — and specifically mentions the repeated postings of the owner of Foodbenders on Instagram and Twitter including the hashtag “Zionists not welcome” in her store.

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B'nai Brith Canada chief executive officer Michael Mostyn is seen here in a file photo taken in Ottawa in April 2019.
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Zoom.
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Kimberley Hawkins, who owns the Bloor St. W. catering company, returns to court Friday to fight the possible loss of her city business licence.

She has been charged under the Municipal Code for alleged inflammatory anti-Zionist Instagram and Twitter posts. She is being represented by Stephen Ellis, an officer of the Canadian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

In her most recent post on Instagram she says she’s raised $22,000 U.S. for her legal defence.

SLevy@postmedia.com
 

spaminator

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Pair sought after anti-Semitic messages spotted around Vaughan
York cops believe the motive is hate

Author of the article:Chris Doucette
Publishing date:May 12, 2021 • 7 hours ago • 1 minute read • 7 Comments
Investigators need help identifying two men suspected of hanging banners with anti-Semitic messages on them around Vaughan.
Investigators need help identifying two men suspected of hanging banners with anti-Semitic messages on them around Vaughan. PHOTO BY HANDOUT /York Regional Police
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Two unidentified men are sought for a string of recent hate crimes involving banners emblazoned with anti-Semitic messages in Vaughan.

York Regional Police say there have been four separate incidents in the last two weeks where banners have been hung up in various locations in the area of Dufferin St. and Steeles Ave.


“Investigators believe the message on the banner may be anti-Semitic and that these incidents are hate motivated,” Const. Maniva Armstrong said in a statement Wednesday.

On April 29, a banner was located on an electrical box on Maison Parc Ct.

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People hold placards as they gather to protest against anti-Asian hate crimes, racism and vandalism, outside City Hall in Toronto in March.
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Investigators released this image on April 16, 2021, of a suspect sought for a string of alleged hate crimes at TTC stations.
Man, 26, arrested for alleged hate crimes at TTC stations

Then on May 5 and May 9, Armstrong said banners were found on a CN train as well as on two different billboard signs.

Investigators have released images of two suspects and a suspect vehicle, hoping someone recognizes them and comes forward.

One man is described as white, with a slim build, wearing dark clothing and shoes, and a white hat.

The second man wore dark clothing and white shoes.

Investigators are looking for this black 2014 to 2016 Acura MDX in connection with a series of suspected hate-motivated crimes in Vaughan.
Investigators are looking for this black 2014 to 2016 Acura MDX in connection with a series of suspected hate-motivated crimes in Vaughan. PHOTO BY HANDOUT /York Regional Police
The suspect vehicle is believed to be a black 2014 to 2016 Acura MDX.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information or video footage that could help investigators, is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

cdoucette@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @SunDoucette
 

spaminator

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WARMINGTON: B'nai Brith questions why some protesters not ticketed
Author of the article:Joe Warmington
Publishing date:May 12, 2021 • 2 hours ago • 3 minute read • 20 Comments
B'Nai Brith released this image of pro-Palestinian protesters in Toronto on Monday.
B'Nai Brith released this image of pro-Palestinian protesters in Toronto on Monday. PHOTO BY B'NAI BRITH HANDOUT/FACEBOOK /Toronto Sun
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A lot of people noticed pro-Palestine demonstrators outside Toronto’s Israeli Consulate Monday were not ticketed even though some did not wear masks or follow social-distancing protocols.

Now B’nai Brith is calling out Toronto Police and the City of Toronto’s bylaw office.


“B’nai Brith demands equal enforcement of the law,” Canada’s “oldest independent Jewish Human Rights organization” said in a strongly-worded statement Wednesday.

As fighting between Israel and Hamas-run Gaza escalates, they also warn they don’t want to see a repetition of what happened at Yonge and Bloor Sts. Monday.

“B’nai Brith Canada is calling for public health orders to be enforced consistently as illegal mass gatherings are being planned across the country in opposition to the Jewish State,” says a news release.

It had the appearance of a double standard and B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn said he felt he had to address the issue.

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“It is difficult to accept that while Jewish schools are forced to close, dangerous mass gatherings that call for the destruction of the Jewish State can apparently proceed without penalty,” said Mostyn.

It’s no secret that protests against wearing masks, social distancing and lockdowns are regularly greeted by police officers with handcuffs, ticket books, and police horses. Many opening restaurants or businesses have been hit with stiff fines.

“Throughout the stay-at-home order, police in Ontario have repeatedly fined organizers and attendees of anti-lockdown rallies,” said the release.


So why not this time?

Toronto Police, and the city, were made aware of the concerns late Wednesday and have yet to comment.

“Should these illegal protests continue, we expect local media to ask tough questions about why organizers are encouraging the public to break the law. Our doctors, nurses, and health care workers are exhausted beyond the breaking point,” said Mostyn. “In the interest of everyone’s safety, most Canadians, from all communities, have been respecting the local guidelines in place. We expect the authorities to enforce the law on a fair and equal basis.”

Palestine House board member Hammam Farah objected to the entire premise, telling the Toronto Sun “my aunt’s home was just bombed by Israeli war planes in Gaza, and you want me (to) comment on social distancing and allegations by a dishonest and discredited Israel lobby group of anti-Semitic comments by individuals at a large protest against Israeli ethnic cleansing and apartheid. I’m sure I speak for many in the Palestinian community, and as a board member of the Palestinian Canadian Community Centre, when I say this: LOL.”

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But B’nai Brith feels with rockets also falling on Israeli citizens, any “anti-Semitic” tone should be confronted, saying calls for “genocide against Jews, as well as other forms of hateful incitement must not” be tolerated “on the streets of Canada’s largest cities.”

Added Mostyn: “Politics should not be used as cover for failing to apply the rule of law to everyone equally.”

But throughout this lockdown things have not been fair. Small retailers are closed but big ones are not. Pubs and patios are closed but the LCBO and cannabis stores are open.

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B'nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn.
Anti-Semitic acts jump 18.6% in 2020, says B'nai Brith report
B'nai Brith Canada chief executive officer Michael Mostyn is seen here in a file photo taken in Ottawa in April 2019.
LEVY: U of T students allege anti-Semitism ingrained on campus
B'nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn.
LEVY: COVID-19 blamed on Jews and Israel, says B'nai Brith

Some protesters can gather in large numbers while others leading gatherings arrested.

Certainly, as Toronto gears up for this Saturday’s Freedom Rally at Queen’s Park, many will be watching to see if those protesters receive the same treatment as what happened Monday.

B’nai Brith feels if the system allows double standards, there will eventually be no standards at all.
 
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spaminator

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WARMINGTON: Protesters' swastikas cross the line
Author of the article:Joe Warmington
Publishing date:May 17, 2021 • 36 minutes ago • 3 minute read • 10 Comments
Mayor John Tory and Premier Doug Ford have spoken out after swastikas were displayed at a pro-Palestinian rally at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday.
Mayor John Tory and Premier Doug Ford have spoken out after swastikas were displayed at a pro-Palestinian rally at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday. PHOTO BY TWITTER/@LEVITTMICHAEL /Toronto Sun
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A line was crossed when protesters openly displayed Nazi swastikas at Toronto’s City Hall.

Mayor John Tory has drawn that line.


“I strongly condemn any use of Nazi imagery and understand the profound hurt that can cause members of the Jewish community when it is directed at them,” Tory told the Toronto Sun on Monday.

Premier Doug Ford concurred, saying “this is extremely disturbing. All acts of anti-Semitism should be condemned. Discrimination or hatred of any kind against any community in our province is absolutely unacceptable.”

But Saturday’s anti-Israel rally event at Nathan Phillips Square, which saw violence break out between participants on both sides, featured some pro-Palestinian demonstrators using the horrific Nazi symbol to protest the bitter conflict between combatants in Hamas-controlled Gaza and Israel’s military.

Witnesses posted images to social media of a sign with a Swastika saying “Death to Israel” while there was another of an Israeli flag with Swastikas all over it.

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Toronto seems to be able to tolerate that the thousands of protesters were not following stay-at-home pandemic guidelines and protocols, including social distancing.

But that goodwill stops when Nazi imagery enters the scenario.

Toronto Police Chief James Ramer said all aspects of what went down Saturday will be probed.

The ugly clash allegedly involving sticks, chains, and other weapons, will be probed from a neutral point of view. Charges on individuals violating the law, say police sources, will be laid where appropriate, no matter the affiliation.

But there will be no middle ground on swastikas.


“An individual carrying a flag with a prescribed group’s symbol would not constitute criminality,” explained Toronto Police spokesperson Meaghan Gray. “However, if there were allegations of hate speech against the individual carrying the flag, then the flag would be an important piece in the investigation.”

Added Gray: “If an individual is holding a flag symbolizing hate or a designated terrorist entity while on government or private property this could allow for grounds to” charge them with trespassing.

There are also Criminal Code provisions that cover the charge of inciting hate that could be applied.

Swastikas represent the genocide of six million Jews and it’s not a symbol that should be used in any context. Yet, swastikas were also waved at similar protests in London, Ont., and Hamilton, which also had an incident of an Israeli flag-burning.

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Police in both cities confirm they are investigating.

“B’nai Brith Canada is pleased that police are investigating these disturbing incidents,” said B’nai Brith CEO Michael Mostyn on Sunday. “The use of the swastika and Nazi imagery raises grave questions about the true intentions of these ‘pro-Palestinian’ protesters. The anti-Israel camp in Canada should engage in some serious soul-searching. We will not allow these outrages to pass without consequences.”

Palestine House was contacted by the Toronto Sun, but has not yet commented.

Tory and Ford have offered some good leadership on this issue which includes reminding the younger demographic just how evil the Nazi regime was and the millions of people who were slaughtered during the Holocaust.

“I have made it clear that any form of hatred, discrimination or violence against anyone in this city will not be tolerated,” said Tory.


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A Twitter image of Saturday's pro-Palestinian protest at Nathan Phillips Square.
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ASHDOD, ISRAEL - MAY 17: Israelis look at the site of a rocket strike from the Gaza Strip on May 17, 2021 in Ashdod, Israel.
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“Over my time as mayor, I have made numerous statements condemning all kinds of hate, including anti-Semitism, anti-Islamophobia, anti-black racism, and anti-Asian racism. I won’t stop standing up for any community in our city when they are targeted by hatred, and beyond speaking up, we will take whatever actions are necessary to eliminate this kind of behaviour which has no place in our city.”

And that includes ever displaying a Nazi swastika!
 

HarperCons

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Oct 18, 2015
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"lazy freeloader" dumb guy who thinks taxes are theft and doesn't want to contribute to society. congratulations your idea is on par with a 15 year old libertarian.
 

spaminator

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LEVY: Jews targets of online and physical attacks as Middle East conflict continues
Author of the article:Sue-Ann Levy
Publishing date:May 18, 2021 • 12 hours ago • 3 minute read • 47 Comments
A sign displayed at Saturday's pro-Palestinian protest at Nathan Phillips Square.
A sign displayed at Saturday's pro-Palestinian protest at Nathan Phillips Square. PHOTO BY TWITTER/@AVIBENLOLO
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Hasbara Canada’s executive director Daniel Koren says since the latest Gaza-Israel conflict heated up a week ago, online hate against the Jewish people in Canada is the “worst it’s ever been.”

In addition to Jewish people being attacked in the virtual world, he says, there has been abundant evidence of physical attacks in the past few days — starting with a small contingent of Israel supporters attending a pro-Palestine rally Saturday night in downtown Toronto being chased by an angry group armed with sticks, carrying the Palestinian flag and wearing kaffiyehs.


Doc von Lichtenburg, who attended the protest that night and was situated with about 32 other pro-Israel supporters, said many of the attendees were screaming “death to the Jews” and “we will finish what Hitler started.”

When they tried to escape, he said, they were “completely trapped” and hit by fists, sticks and bottles as they ran up Chestnut St.

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“It was mayhem,” he said.

In Montreal, Koren said, pro-Palestine rioters chased pro-Israel supporters on the streets throwing tear gas at them.

He said the online army of haters — which is fuelling anti-Semitism — has been directed at university and high school students.

A now-infamous Instagram TikTok video, viewed thousands of times, show two students at an Ontario’s Wilfrid Laurier University dancing to music while pretending to stab Israelis and burning a mock Israeli flag. (Laurier officials have responded they take these actions “seriously” and are holding the students accountable for the harm they have caused.)

A student at another university was inviting others to attack a Jewish colleague on Facebook and to call her a “pig” and a “despicable human being,” Koren said.

“This certainly strengthens the notion that anti-Zionism is really anti-Semitism,” he said.

I can’t help but think those allegedly “woke” anti-Israel professors on university campuses I’ve been writing about for years have been doing a good job of indoctrinating impressionable young minds.


But it’s not just students.

It feels very different this time, akin to a well orchestrated propaganda campaign in which those who support Israel are subject to efforts at intimidation in the form of vile emails and social media posts like the one I got Sunday night calling me, among other things, a f—ing racist Nazi snake.

In London, Ont., Heemal Rajani, owner of the Reimagine Co. grocery store, announced in a press conference Tuesday that he was declaring his store an “apartheid-free zone.”

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Reached in London, Rajani said that means they’re not selling any products made in Israel.

But Jews are welcome to buy from him, he said, insisting it’s not a “racist move.”

“We need global pressure,” he said, noting he’s urging other businesses in London to do the same.

“How is attacking Jewish people (in Canada) helping the Palestinians?” asks Koren.

“I keep telling people it’s Jew-hunting season.”

Sadly, even the supposedly objective media have gotten into the act with an open letter penned earlier this week and signed by several from the CBC and Toronto Star claiming there’s a “deep reluctance (by Canadian journalists) to cover the ongoing nature of the Israeli occupation.”

Israel’s consul general to Toronto and Western Canada, Galit Baram, said Tuesday she’s worried about the expressions of anti-Semitism in Canada — in particular burning the Israeli flag, the calls for the destruction of Israel and the comparison made between Israel and Nazi Germany, as well as what happened at Toronto City Hall last Saturday night.

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A Twitter image of Saturday's pro-Palestinian protest at Nathan Phillips Square.
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She said participating in protests is one thing but anti-Semitism and violence is quite another.

“This is extremely alarming and unacceptable,” she said, hopeful that police in Canada will be very firm about stopping this.

“This is not a way to express anger.”

slevy@postmedia.com
 

spaminator

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GOLDSTEIN: Criticizing Israel isn't anti-Semitism — hating Jews is
Author of the article:Lorrie Goldstein
Publishing date:May 22, 2021 • 1 day ago • 3 minute read • 37 Comments
Police officers stand in line to separate protesters supporting Palestine from a small group of Israel supporters in front of city hall in Toronto May 15, 2021.
Police officers stand in line to separate protesters supporting Palestine from a small group of Israel supporters in front of city hall in Toronto May 15, 2021. PHOTO BY CHRIS HELGREN /REUTERS
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Every time a shooting war between Israel and Hamas breaks out — the latest is the fourth one since 2007 when Hamas took over Gaza — Jew haters whine they can’t criticize Israel without being accused of anti-Semitism.

That’s absurd.


Some of the harshest criticism of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians comes from Jews in Israel.

One brutally honest example is Israeli film director Dror Moreh’s 2012 documentary The Gatekeepers in which he interviewed six former heads of Shin Bet — Israel’s internal security service.

Clearly, none of these men — Avraham Shalom, director of Shin Bet from 1980-86; Yaakov Peri (1988-94); Carmi Gillon (1994-96); Ami Ayalon (1996-2000); Avi Dichter (2000-05) and Yuval Diskin (2005-11) — hate Jews.

They describe in the film how they carried out targeted assassinations of Hamas leaders and other terrorists, acknowledging innocent Palestinians were killed as well.

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They explain their use of mass arrests and coercive interrogation — condemned by human rights groups as torture — to gather intelligence, admitting it has led to the deaths of some detainees.

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Greg Nisan
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A Twitter image of Saturday's pro-Palestinian protest at Nathan Phillips Square.
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A sign displayed at Saturday's pro-Palestinian protest at Nathan Phillips Square.
LEVY: Jews targets of online and physical attacks as Middle East conflict continues

They don’t apologize for what they did, but they condemn Israeli governments for making it necessary by failing to negotiate an independent Palestinian state with the Arabs after the 1967 war, and for expanding Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories.

They believed Israel’s best chance for peace — the Oslo Accords — was foiled not by Hamas, but by what they describe as Shin Bet’s greatest security failure — the 1995 assassination of Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin by Yigal Amir, a radical, Orthodox Jew who they say was incited by extremist Israeli politicians and rabbis.

The harshest criticism of Israel’s policies towards the Palestinians comes from the late Avraham Shalom, responsible for one of Israel’s most infamous security scandals.

He ordered the summary execution of two captured bus hijackers because he didn’t want their trials turning them into Palestinian folk heroes.

Asked about Israel’s occupation of the Palestinians, Shalom says it has brutalized Israelis:

“The future is bleak … where does it lead? To a change in the people’s character, because if you put most of our young people in the army, they’ll see a paradox. They’ll see it strives to be a people’s army … involved in building up the country. On the other hand, it’s a brutal occupation force, similar to the Germans in World War II. Similar, not identical … We’ve become cruel to ourselves as well, but mainly to the occupied population, using the excuse of the war against terror.”

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What these men say, however critical of Israel, shares nothing with the anti-Semites beating Jews, chanting death to the Jews and screaming Hitler should have finished the job in anti-Israel demonstrations last week.

The late British Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, head of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, has explained where that kind of hatred comes from.

“First, let me define anti-Semitism. Not liking Jews is not anti-Semitism. We all have people we don’t like. That’s okay; that’s human; it isn’t dangerous. Second, criticizing Israel is not anti-Semitism …

“Anti-Semitism means denying the right of Jews to exist collectively as Jews … It takes different forms in different ages. In the Middle Ages, Jews were hated because of their religion. In the nineteenth and early twentieth century they were hated because of their race. Today they are hated because of … Israel. It takes different forms but it remains the same thing: the view that Jews have no right to exist …”

Those are the anti-Semites.

lgoldstein@postmedia.com
 

spaminator

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Toronto mayor sends out strong message about Jew hatred
Author of the article:Sue-Ann Levy
Publishing date:Jun 03, 2021 • 12 hours ago • 2 minute read • 30 Comments
Mayor John Tory and Premier Doug Ford spoke out after swastikas were displayed at a recent pro-Palestinian rally at Nathan Phillips Square.
Mayor John Tory and Premier Doug Ford spoke out after swastikas were displayed at a recent pro-Palestinian rally at Nathan Phillips Square. PHOTO BY TWITTER/@LEVITTMICHAEL /Toronto Sun
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Mayor John Tory has come out swinging against the “concerning and unacceptable” rise in anti-Semitism in Toronto in recent weeks, saying he will not allow hatred to “take root” or “grow” in the city.

In a lengthy statement, he said he met with members of the city’s Jewish community, a few councillors and the police chief Tuesday night and heard the Jewish community’s “valid concerns.”


He vowed to target anti-Semitism in a public education campaign this year and will ensure the Toronto Police get support in the “pursuit of hate crimes.”

Tory urged anyone who witnesses an act of hate against the Jewish community to report it to the police.

More than two weeks ago, a pro-Palestinian rally at Nathan Phillips Square turned violent, resulting in the apparent beating of a 64-year-old Jewish man, Greg Nisan, with sticks and chains wrapped in cloth. Two women reported to the Toronto Sun that they were surrounded by an angry mob of pro-Palestinians as they sat in their car on Richmond and Bay Sts.

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A video provided to the Sun shows two protesters setting fire to the Israeli flag on their car window.

Two individuals were charged following the protest. Toronto Police spokesperson Connie Osbourne said Wednesday no further charges have been laid but the investigation is ongoing.


Last week, the Toronto Sun revealed that educator Javier Davila issued two pro-Palestinian manuals to teachers in mid-May without the Toronto District School Board’s approval. The manuals, which he claimed were “carefully curated,” included advice on how to teach about the hateful Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) anti-Israel movement and recommended books to read to children that portray Israeli soldiers as murderers and settlers as thieves.

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Davila has been on home assignment and an investigation is ongoing. But he continues to tweet inflammatory anti-Israel comments, including ones that claim Israel’s “Apartheid Wall” has no pink door (to let in queer Palestinians) and that “white supremacy” led to the oppression of Palestinians.

Councillor James Pasternak, who participated in Tuesday’s meeting, said he has found it very frustrating knowing that if this kind of vilification occurred to any other group, there would be a “national outcry.

“The silencing has been deafening and extremely hurtful,” he said.

He said the big problem now is that are no consequences for this kind of hateful behaviour and “no widespread condemnation of the hate.”

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A Palestine supporter, left, faces an Israel supporter during a protest in front of Toronto City Hall, Saturday, May 15, 2021.
EDITORIAL: Condemning anti-Semitism
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Demonstrators wave flags atop the arches of Toronto City Hall as thousands gather in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to show their support for the people of Palestine on May 15, 2021.
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He specifically called out Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown for not singling out the activities of the many people who came to Toronto from their cities to protest.

“They may lose a few votes,” Pasternak said, “But they need to take a principled stand.”

SLevy@postmedia.com
 

Serryah

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Dec 3, 2008
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Irony is - a coalition of people including hard right, left AND an Arab party in the Israeli Government forming together to kick BoBo the Clown out of office and agreeing to work together.

Maybe Israel can get its shit together after all. I certainly hope so with this coalition.
 

spaminator

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Oct 26, 2009
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Man, 32, arrested for two separate anti-Semitic assaults in a week
Witnesses say suspect had giant swastika on his chest

Author of the article:Scott Laurie
Publishing date:Jul 15, 2021 • 54 minutes ago • 2 minute read • 6 Comments
Michael Park, 32, of Toronto, faces charges in connection with two alleged hate-motivated assaults in Toronto on July 6 and July 10, 2021.
Michael Park, 32, of Toronto, faces charges in connection with two alleged hate-motivated assaults in Toronto on July 6 and July 10, 2021. PHOTO BY HANDOUT /Toronto Police
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Toronto Police have made an arrest in two, separate, hate-motivated, anti-Semitic assaults that happened five days apart involving a man walking downtown with a giant swastika drawn on his chest.

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The first incident happened July 6 at 8 a.m. when police were called to Stanley Park near King St. W. and Walnut Ave. for reports of a disorderly person in the park.


Police say witnesses reported a man yelling anti-Semitic slurs towards an individual, assaulting a person by throwing an object at them

Officers arrested a man nearby.

The second incident was July 10 at 10:30 a.m. when police responded to a call for an assault near Yonge and Elm Sts.

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A Hamilton Police cruiser.
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Police say witnesses reported a man yelling anti-Semitic slurs towards a group of people.

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Someone who confronted the man was allegedly punched several times.

Officers called to the scene arrested a suspect a short distance away.

Michael Park, 32, of Toronto, has been charged with assault with a weapon, assault, and two more charges under the Municipal Code.

He is scheduled to appear in College Park Court by video on Thursday.

“Like all members of society, Jews should be able to walk down the street with confidence in our safety and security,” read a joint statement by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto regarding the alleged attacks.


The two groups highlight Toronto Police statistics from 2020 that show a 51% increase in reported hate crimes, with the Jewish community disproportionately targeted.

On Wednesday, an Inter-parliamentary task force held an international discussion of online hate and anti-Semitism.

And next week, the federal government is holding an emergency summit on the issue.

“Anti-Semitism is a scourge that is quickly spreading throughout Canada and around the world,” the UJA and CIJA jointly said. “Combating anti-Semitism is not only about protecting members of the Jewish community; it is essential to insulating all of us from the threat hatred poses to the very fabric of our society.”

slaurie@postmedia.com
 
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spaminator

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German man had to remove dad's statue because it looked like Hitler
Author of the article:Denette Wilford
Publishing date:Jul 27, 2021 • 9 hours ago • 1 minute read • Join the conversation
Adolf Hitler didn't approve of his henchmen getting divorced.
Adolf Hitler didn't approve of his henchmen getting divorced. PHOTO BY FILE PHOTO /Postmedia Network
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A man in Germany was forced to take down a statue of his dead father because of its uncanny resemblance to Adolf Hitler.

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The wooden sculpture was originally on the grave of the man’s father, who died in 2013, reported Bild.


The memorial sported facial hair that was a little too close to the Nazi dictator’s, as well as a football jersey with the number ‘88’ engraved on it, which some perceived as code for “Heil, Hitler,” as “H” is the eighth letter of the alphabet.

Concerned citizens complained to the mayor, who had the statue taken down at the cemetery but allowed Oliver to move it to his own property in Weil im Schönbuch in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The man’s attorney insisted his client is “not a Nazi,” explaining in court that the jersey number represents the “number of the house in which the father lived.”

The fact that the wooden homage to his dad looks like Hitler is merely coincidence.

An investigation has been launched into whether the statue violates the German Criminal Code, which prohibits the “use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations” – so think swastikas and other Nazi insignias and slogans, reported the Daily Mail.

The exception is when those questionable symbols are used for artistic or educational purposes.