Again: Anti-Semitism and support for terror on display in Toronto

• Published date: 26 May 2021
• Author: Elad Benari
• Publication title: Israel National News (Israel)

Over a thousand anti-Israel demonstrators marched from Yonge-Dundas Square to the Israeli consulate at Yonge and Bloor, shouting repeatedly for an "intifada."

At least one protester carried the flag of Hamas, while others carried signs with anti-Semitic imagery, such as one depicting Israeli Jews as pigs, and another equating the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with the Nazi SS. Organizers also bizarrely asserted at one point that "Canada is a part of Israel."

B'nai Brith Canada notes that the march was organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), a group that glorifies terrorism against Israelis. Last week, at another downtown Toronto protest held by the PYM, attendees threatened Jews by recalling the Battle of Khaybar, in which the ancient Jewish community of Arabia was killed or expelled.

Pro-Israel counter-protesters were then repeatedly assaulted as they attempted to leave the area, despite a heavy police escort.

B'nai Brith also noted that both this week's and last week's PYM events were blatantly illegal pursuant to Ontario's COVID-19 public health orders, which forbid outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people, and provide for fines of up to $10,000 for event organizers. B'nai Brith is not aware of any attempts by Toronto Police to enforce the orders with respect to anti-Israel protests.

"The inaction by the City of Toronto and Toronto Police with respect to downtown protests over the past few weeks is inexcusable," said Michael Mostyn, Chief Executive Officer of B'nai Brith Canada. "These events are a massive safety risk...