Toronto (May 30, 2019) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) strongly condemns the upcoming Iranian-backed antisemitic Al-Quds Day march, which is scheduled to take place this weekend. The rally claims to promote solidarity with Palestinians – when in reality, previous events have included Holocaust deniers, chants calling for the destruction of Jews and Israel and participants proudly waving flags of recognized terrorist groups.  

FSWC has reached out to over 50 political leaders – including Mayor John Tory and Premier Doug Ford – law enforcement and leaders of the Muslim community to denounce this outrageous form of antisemitism.  The organization will further gather details to provide to the police hate crime unit and Crown prosecutors to ensure appropriate legal measures are in place relating to forms of hate speech which may arise.

“Last fall, Premier Doug Ford condemned Al-Quds Day and promised to take action. Similarly, Mayor John Tory and City of Toronto councillors promised to ensure that city resources and permits would not be provided to advocates of hate and intolerance. Recently, MPP Roman Baber passed a private members’ bill ensuring that hateful rallies would not take place at Queen’s Park,” said Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of FSWC. “Most significantly, leaders in the Muslim community stood with us against the Pittsburgh attack, condemning antisemitism. Will they do the same and work with us to counter Al-Quds Day?”

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center will monitor and continue to advocate against this form of hatred and intolerance directed at the Jewish community and universally.

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Media Contact:

Lowell Schrieder
416-864-9735 x30
lschrieder@fswc.ca