TORONTO, 23 November 2011 – B’nai Brith Canada has written to His Excellency Ambassador Bruno van der Pluijm to express its concerns following reports of a brutal attack against a 13-year-old Jewish girl in Belgium by her classmates.
Frank Dimant, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, commented: “The lack of public condemnation of this attack in Belgium itself is particularly disconcerting. A strong call for investigation is vital given the gravity of the apparent hate crime involved. We have asked the Ambassador to use his good offices to press his countrymen to speak up vocally to condemn the attack, as well as other recent manifestations of antisemitism.
“Justice must be vigourously pursued in this case and proactive measures set in place to ensure the safety of all communities. What is needed is a ‘no tolerance’ policy towards antisemitism and racism, accompanied by a public education campaign to support such a strategy."
