Supporting Safe Cultural Expression and Peaceful Dialogue
In an act of hate and harassment, individuals targeted the Jewish community at a recent Folklorama event. This behaviour, which included verbally attacking children and the elderly and downplaying the Holocaust, is a clear violation of the Criminal Code. This abusive behaviour has been escalating and is contrary to Canadian values.
We urge politicians and law enforcement to take immediate action to protect all communities from such unacceptable acts.
Days of Cultural Celebration
Of guests
enjoying the Israeli Pavilion - Shalom Square
Peaceful Cultural Event
Tolerance for Harassment
Cultural festivals like Folklorama are meant to bring communities together, not divide them. When protests target cultural celebrations and community centers where families gather, including schools, it creates fear and intimidation that has no place in our diverse society.
We call for peaceful dialogue, mutual respect, and an end to harassment that makes community members feel unsafe while celebrating their heritage.
Our community is united by a commitment to safety, dignity, and respect. The recent intrusion of Hamas supporters and their axis of haters at Shalom Square—targeting and harassing community members, supporters and dignitaries, including children, and elders—shows a pattern of escalating hostile attacks that have not garnered any effective response from community organizations or public officials.
As we prepare to commemorate October 7 and beyond, we cannot allow hatred, intimidation, and the ongoing libeling of Jewish people and their friends who believe in and support Israel as the Jewish homeland (Zionism), to continue unchecked. Antisemitic attacks and the appeasement of hatred are not acceptable.
We need institutions that act with resolve to provide real protection. We can no longer afford to be left to feel vulnerable to the threats and vitriol targeting us. The status quo is both unsafe and unacceptable.
This community, including its supporters and friends, deserve to feel safe and respected. We deserve to have institutions that act with resolve, and provide real protection.
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Your voice matters. Help us promote peaceful dialogue and ensure that all communities can celebrate their cultural heritage safely and without fear.
Together, we can build a community where cultural diversity is celebrated safely and respectfully.