TORONTO, – B’nai Brith Canada has criticized the decision of the Speaker of Ontario’s Legislative Assembly to allow the “Al-Quds” rally to go ahead tomorrow on the grounds of Queen’s Park. The Jewish human rights agency had contacted both Premier Dalton McGuinty and Speaker Dave Levac to highlight Jewish community concerns given the promotion of hate and violence that transpired at the rally last year, and the cloak of secrecy surrounding the organizers this year. Speaker Levac was urged to overturn the Sergeant-at-Arms’ decision to grant a permit for this event.
Frank Dimant, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, issued the following statement:
“We feel that the Speaker should have utilized this opportunity to display leadership and prevent what promises to be an anti-Canadian and antisemitic hatefest. Speakers at last year’s rally not only labeled Israel as a cancer, and Zionists as blood-suckers, but featured flags and symbols of designated terrorist organizations outlawed in Canada. This kind of event simply is not in line with Canadian values."
"While a statement from the Speaker’s office promises that terrorist symbols and flags or the promotion of hate, discrimination or violence, will not be allowed, it remains to be seen how effective the government can be ensuring that type of outcome. B’nai Brith will continue to monitor the situation carefully."
