‍

Toronto (March 4, 2024) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) denounces yesterday’s anti-Israel demonstration outside a synagogue in Thornhill, north of Toronto.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the Aish Thornhill Community Shul to protest a travelling Israeli real estate presentation that the synagogue was hosting.

Waving Palestinian flags, demonstrators chanted "Israel is a terrorist state," "stop bombing our children," "there is only one solution, intifada revolution" and “Palestine is not for sale,” among other chants.

According to the Toronto Star, protest organizers said "they believe all Israeli land is stolen and any attempt at selling it is worthy of protest."

Last week, to ensure the safety of the Jewish community, FSWC notified York Regional Police in advance of yesterday’s demonstration.

"This attempt to delegitimize the state of Israel and intimidate the Jewish community, especially at a place of worship that serves as a safe space for Jews, is reprehensible," said FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt. "Everyone has the right to protest, but a line must be drawn. The targeting of Jewish Canadians and their places of worship in connection with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an act of antisemitism that can never be tolerated."

FSWC is aware that a man who allegedly pointed a nail gun at anti-Israel demonstrators during yesterday’s protest has been arrested. FSWC stands firmly against all forms of violence and is deeply concerned by this reported act of aggression.

‍