Ottawa, ON – In recent weeks, anti-Israel protests in Calgary, the Greater Toronto Area, and Montreal have seen deplorable vitriol and violence against Jews. In France and Turkey, recent protests have likewise led to open expressions of antisemitism and, in some cases, violent attacks against Jews or Jewish institutions.
In response, Shimon Koffler Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), issued the following statement:
“We are alarmed that anti-Israel demonstrations in Canada have become an outlet for hateful vitriol, intimidation, and even violence against Jews. Such abhorrent incidents are not only an attack on the Jewish community, they are an attack on core Canadian values including respect for the law and for free speech. We unequivocally condemn any such behaviour, regardless of the perpetrator or victim, including the most recent event in Vaughan.
“Canadians of all backgrounds would be outraged to learn that these disturbing acts took place in our country. We urge authorities to thoroughly investigate these events and hold accountable those who have broken Canadian law.”