Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) denounces the upcoming “Al Quds Day” rally set for Saturday, June 9 at Queen’s Park. This antisemitic and Iranian-backed demonstration crops up annually to provoke hatred against Israel through disturbing propaganda and false accusations about the Jewish state.

In past years, demonstrators – many of whom were children – raised anti-Israel signs and the flag of Iran, whose leadership has called for Israel’s annihilation as recently as this week.  Signs have portrayed comparisons between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and ISIS and have falsely labeled Israel as a perpetrator of genocide.

“With antisemitic crimes on the rise in Toronto, it is unconscionable that our public spaces provide the backdrop for this yearly hate-fest,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. “Rather than promoting peaceful coexistence in-line with Canadian values, “Al-Quds Day” demonstrations are notorious for advocating violence and perpetuating hostility against the Israel. Such flagrant bigotry cannot be tolerated in our multicultural society.”   

As a proactive measure ahead of Saturday’s event, FSWC sent an open letter to the Attorney General of Ontario underscoring the hateful nature of the “Al-Quds Day” rally and expressing grave concerns about letting it move forward. The organization also contacted Toronto Police to request officers strictly monitor incidents of hate speech and enforce bylaw infractions as required. To ensure such violations are recorded if they arise, FSWC will also be monitoring Saturday’s event.