Toronto (January 30, 2022) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is disturbed by the appearance of Holocaust symbols at the rally in Ottawa yesterday protesting government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. A sign featuring a yellow Star of David and a Nazi flag stood out among the other flags and signs carried by demonstrators.

The use of Nazi symbols as a means to compare anything in our lives today here in Canada to the experience of Jews living under Nazi rule is a heinous form of Holocaust distortion. FSWC is also sickened by the appearance of Confederate flags and the desecration and vandalism of national monuments that was witnessed yesterday. These actions are unacceptable.

“The swastika, yellow star or any Nazi symbol have absolutely no place at protests in Ottawa or anywhere in Canada. It’s unconscionable and an affront to the memory of each and every man, woman and child who perished during the Holocaust,” said Michael Levitt, President and CEO of FSWC. “It is shameful that in 2022 we are still seeing these vile symbols of hate and genocide with no regard for their impact on the Jewish community and other groups victimized by the Nazis, particularly the Holocaust survivor population that suffered unfathomable pain."