Hamas-Terror Organization Flag Appears at Pro-Palestinian Rally in Toronto
05/22/21: Toronto's streets became a rallying point for what appears to be support for Hamas. Public Safety Canada currently lists Hamas as a terrorist organization.
In its list of outlawed terror organizations, Canada describes Hamas as follows: "Hamas has been responsible for several hundred terrorist attacks against both civilian and military targets. Hamas has been one of the primary groups involved in suicide bombings aimed at Israelis since the start of the Al-Aqsa intifada..." https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/lstd-ntts/crrnt-lstd-ntts-en.aspx#25
"Given the critical threat to the community by what appears to be supporters of a terrorist organization, this afternoon, I immediately contacted the most senior echelons of Toronto's police, the Chief of Police and the hate crimes unit. They assured me they will immediately investigate these occurrences", said Avi Benlolo.
According to Mr. Benlolo, "As disconcerting is the level of hate speech. One protestor carried an outrageous sign which read, "Well Done Israel. Hitler Would be proud". Despite the fact the recent conflict was launched by Hamas against Israel, there has been a concerted effort to trivialize the Holocaust and draw false comparisons.
"Hitler Would Be Proud":
A Toronto Pro-Palestinian Protestor Trivializes the Holocaust
A sign in the distance equates Israel with Nazism
(the same sign appeared at last week's protest too)
Video from the Rally on May 22, 2021 in downtown Toronto (spoken in Arabic)
Today's rally followed a violent assault that took place against Jewish protestors last week to the day. On that occasion, a small group of Jewish protestors were viciously attacked by a mob of pro-Palestinians. One of the victims was an elderly Jewish man who was viciously beaten by a group of young men. That incident is still being investigated according to police.
On a call with Toronto police Chief James Ramer on Friday morning with Jewish community leaders, he briefed us on various issues concerning the safety and security of the Jewish community in Toronto. In response, Toronto police increased its presence today in downtown Toronto (closing some streets) and showing a larger presence. "I know that Toronto's police is working double time to ensure our safety and security. I thank the service and the Chief for investing more resources to ensure our safety in Toronto and our neighbourhoods".
In an editorial on Friday, Avi Benlolo warned that a defamation campaign would now begin to discredit the State of Israel and this would lead to increased antisemitism. To read the full article, please see https://www.avibenlolo.org/post/thefridayreport-the-real-fight-has-just-begun
- 30 -
For Alerts: Subscribe to www.avibenlolo.org
How Can You Help? Become further educated and spread the word: Additional Resources on my website. For Myths and Facts about this conflict please go to: https://www.avibenlolo.org/post/confronting-media-bias-with-fact-myths-and-facts-updated
ABOUT: Avi Abraham Benlolo has been described as the nation's most prominent and noted expert in Holocaust studies, in countering Antisemitism and promoting human rights. He has dedicated nearly three decades in executive capacities, was founding President and CEO of a major organization in the Jewish community, has raised over $150 million for charities and is a leading voice in Canada. His academic research, graduate degree, Ph.D. coursework and nearly three decades of professional work has focused on these arenas in addition to peace and security in the Middle East. He has published hundreds of articles in these areas. In recognition of his national and international leadership in this area, he has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctorate from a prestigious Israeli university for his work in Holocaust studies and combating antisemitism; an Order of Vaughan for his distinguished contribution to anti-racism, equity and diversity; the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for his contributions to Canada and a race relations award for best practice, based on distinguished service in promoting human rights.
As a supporter of Israel, he is proud to have established "The Avi Benlolo Scholarship Fund in National Security" at Haifa University.