FSWC Stands Against Planned Anti-Israel Rally in North York

May 13, 2019

Media Statement

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Toronto (May 13, 2019) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) stands against a planned anti-Israel rally that is set to coincide with the Walk with Israel taking place on May 20 in North York.

“The Jewish community has the right to celebrate without the threat of being the target of antisemitic messages and threats that have become a staple of anti-Israel protests. Participants of the Walk with Israel and police must be vigilant and report any hate speech that occurs,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo.

Over the weekend, FSWC reached out to Toronto police after an antisemitic video was posted on social media of an anti-Israel activist standing in front of a synagogue in North York spewing antisemitic claims about the people of Israel.

Benlolo commended members of the Muslim community for speaking out against the video and antisemitism.

“One cannot condemn racism and look away when it comes to antisemitism. It's also up to leaders in our community to ask their network of faith leaders to condemn and call off this behaviour,” said Benlolo.

Media Contact:

Avital Borisovsky
Communications Associate
416.864.9735 x 29
aborisovsky@fswc.ca