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By Richard Robertson
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We must reclaim our streets from those weaponizing the Israel-Hamas conflict to destabilize our society. Canadian leaders must proactively take measures to prevent the normalization of the incitement that is tearing apart the fabric of our society at its seams.
First declared by the Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979, Al-Quds Day is held annually on the last weekend of Ramadan. It is an expression of the Islamic Republic’s radical regime’s desire to reconquer Jerusalem, erase the Jewish State, and destroy the Jewish people.
In Iran, Al–Quds Day is a day of hate, celebrated through macabre displays of anti-Semitism. Some of the most outrageous past examples include massive parade floats depicting grotesque offensive caricatures of Jews, the burning of Israeli flags, and the chanting of violent slogans calling for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people. Anti-Western propaganda is another central theme, as is vocal support for the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance”, which is composed of internationally recognized terror groups.
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In Canada, Al-Quds Day rallies occur across the country, with the largest demonstration generally taking place in Toronto. Speakers at the annual hatefest regularly glorify designated terrorist entities and chant genocidal slogans advocating for the destruction of Israel. In fact, in Toronto, past renditions were so vitriolic that the event was barred from occurring on the grounds of the Ontario Legislature. The 2023 Toronto event featured a speech by Khaled Barakat, a senior member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is a listed terrorist entity in Canada.
It is a travesty that such visceral displays of hatred have been allowed in our cities. The radical extremism fostered annually on Al-Quds Day undermines the open, multicultural, and democratic society cultivated by generations of Canadians. It is an annual source of pain and intimidation for Jews and Iranian dissidents alike. It should be vigorously condemned by all who are concerned about the effects of foreign interference in Canada, as Al–Quds Day personifies a foreign regime’s intent to destabilize the nation’s balanced diversity, which is one of our country’s greatest strengths.
Since the outset of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, anti-Israel protests in Canada have engendered incitement and contributed to record levels of anti-Semitism. The bonds that hold the pieces of our metaphorical mosaic together have been strained. Police forces across the country have struggled to maintain the peace.
In Toronto, radicals have devolved to targeting Jewish institutions, including synagogues. At recent protests, there have been incidents involving weapons, the assault of police, and the obstruction of justice.
The situation in the city is one that requires immediate de-escalation. To allow, amid this tumultuous climate, a day of hate designed by a despotic foreign regime to weaken the cogency of our democracy to occur, is not only contrary to the vitality of our nation, but also serves to benefit the regime in Tehran.
To continue to remain indifferent would be an incredulous and borderline culpable response. The potential consequences of remaining willfully blind are immense. Without action, we run the risk of allowing extremists on all sides to use Al-Quds Day as an opportunity to advance radical political ideologies and to foment hate.
It is time to take back our streets.
Richard Robertson is director of research and advocacy at B’nai Brith Canada.
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OPINION: End the Day of Hate
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05.04.2024
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
By Richard Robertson
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Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
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We must reclaim our streets from those weaponizing the Israel-Hamas conflict to destabilize our society. Canadian leaders must proactively take measures to prevent the normalization of the incitement that is tearing apart the fabric of our society at its seams.
First declared by the Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979, Al-Quds Day is held annually on the last weekend of Ramadan. It is an expression of the Islamic Republic’s radical regime’s desire to reconquer Jerusalem, erase the Jewish State, and destroy the Jewish people.
In Iran, Al–Quds Day is a day of hate, celebrated through macabre displays of anti-Semitism. Some of the most outrageous past examples include massive parade floats depicting grotesque offensive caricatures........
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