Canadian leaders seek police protection for Jewish community

Police in Canada are being urged to ensure the safety of the Jewish community amid concerns over upcoming Al-Quds Day protests. These demonstrations, scheduled for this Sunday, are expected to include chants and actions perceived as antisemitic. Politicians and community leaders express their worries that protesters may glorify terrorism and call for violence against Jews. Toronto city councillor Brad Bradford described Al-Quds Day as a "hateful protest" that promotes the elimination of Israel. Al-Quds Day occurs at the end of Ramadan and was initiated in 1979 by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini. Despite its stated aim to call for the "liberation" of Jerusalem, the events are known for anti-Israel slogans and the burning of flags. Marches are planned in cities like Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Montreal. Organizations such as B’nai Brith Canada and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs highlight the Iranian government's role in organizing these protests as part of its support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. They argue that these events are more than just protests; they are state-sponsored demonstrations promoting hate. Community leaders are taking action, with B’nai Brith Canada urging cities to cancel what they call a "hatefest." There have been requests for law enforcement to enforce laws against hate speech and violence, especially in light of a rise in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas attacks in October 2023. Toronto officials hope the police will ensure public safety and act on any signs of hate speech during the marches. Concerns remain about past incidents where antisemitic rhetoric was present at these rallies. Some politicians, like MP Anthony Housefather, stress the need for proactive measures from law enforcement to prevent hate from spilling into violence. Vancouver and Montreal police have acknowledged their awareness of the protests and stated they are prepared to respond to any illegal activities. Still, local leaders criticize the lack of a strong response from political figures, calling for clearer action against the spread of antisemitism.