CALGARY — B’nai Brith Canada is calling on Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi to conduct a thorough investigation of police conduct after several Israel supporters were assaulted at a rally last Friday, sending five to the hospital. Initial reports from the victims indicate that Calgary police were nowhere to be seen during the violent melee — even though they were informed in advance — and allegedly made racist remarks to the victims when they did eventually arrive on the scene.
“From Paris to Berlin and now Calgary, we are seeing anti-Israel demonstrations turn into violent outbursts against the Jewish community and supporters of Israel, as chants of ‘Kill the Jews’ and ‘Hitler was right’ are heard at protest after protest.” said Frank Dimant. “Late last week, Jewish and Christian activists were viciously attacked for exercising their right to free speech and expressing their support for the democratic State of Israel in its battle against the terrorist organization Hamas.
“We are further disturbed by reports that the Calgary Police Service has refused to press charges against the attackers, even with ample video evidence of the assault. We call on Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi to immediately conduct a thorough investigation of police conduct, the alleged racist remarks, why they were not prepared to handle the situation and increase patrols around Jewish institutions to ensure that they are not targeted for vandalism.
“This unfortunately is not the first time that the Calgary Police have ignored the increasing threat of radicalization of Canadian youth. We therefore encourage anyone who is the victim of an antisemitic incident or sees anything suspicious to call our Anti-Hate Hotline at 1-800-892-BNAI [2624]."
