Toronto (March 29, 2021) - An investigation is underway after a bus shelter in the area of Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West in Toronto was vandalized with a poster promoting antisemitic blood libel on the eve of Passover.

Yesterday evening, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) immediately reported the poster - which read "Israel's killing children again... Enjoy your weekend" - to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Special Constable Service after being notified by a member of the Jewish community who spotted it Saturday afternoon. The TTC notified Toronto police, who were immediately at the scene investigating the incident and having the poster removed.

"It is no coincidence that somebody chose the eve of Passover to not only spread false accusations against Israel but also promote the antisemitic blood libel trope, just as Jews throughout the city, and around the world, were preparing to observe this important holiday," said FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt, who was at the scene last night speaking with police. "This vandalism is very disturbing and a clear attack on the Jewish community. We are thankful that both the TTC and Toronto Police Service were quick to respond and launch an investigation, and we are hopeful that the culprit will be found."

Blood libel refers to the age old antisemitic canard that Jews murder non-Jewish children, to use their blood for ritual purposes, such as to bake of matzah for Passover. For centuries, the blood libel has been used to demonize and vilify Jews around the world.

If you spot these posters anywhere in the city, please report immediately to FSWC by calling 416-864-9735 or emailing jaime@fswc.ca.

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