MONTREAL, January 17, 2011 - B’nai Brith Canada-Quebec is concerned about the series of apparently orchestrated attacks which occurred over the weekend in Cote Saint Luc and Hampstead, targeting synagogues, a Jewish school and a daycare. The organization is urging police to investigate them as hate-motivated crimes.
“We at B’nai Brith’s League for Human Rights deplore these incidents which have specifically targeted Jewish institutions in the community,” said Me Allan Adel, National Chair of B’nai Brith Canada’s League for Human Rights. “As the organization that tracks and documents antisemitism in this country, we see all the hallmarks of antisemitic activity. Looking back at the League’s data for 2010, we note that these types of incidents are not new experiences for Quebec, and that they mirror incidents that have targeted the Jewish community both elsewhere in Canada and globally.
“We hope to hear the voices of other communities in Canada standing up against these acts of blatant antisemitism. Communities need to stand together when facing hate of this nature.
“We urge anyone who has been the victim of, who has witnessed, or who has any information on hate-related activity to call our 24-7 Anti-Hate Hotline at 1-800-892-2624. This important service is staffed by B’nai Brith’s League for Human Rights experts, who are there to offer support and assistance where the security and welfare of the community is concerned. These experts are currently working with all levels of law enforcement to ensure a quick response to the hate incidents of this past weekend, and that the appropriate follow-up action is taken.”
For more information, contact Heidi Oppen, Quebec Director, B'nai Brith Canada, hoppen@bnaibrith.ca,(514) 733-5377 ext. 23.
