WARMINGTON: Anti-Semitism, vandalism — what happened to T.O. the Good?

While some people were preparing for the opening of the Raptors’ season Wednesday night, others were worried about being violated in their own homes because of their religion.

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Toronto’s Jewish community was bracing itself for the next wave of anti-Semitism, while Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was hamming it up with the Raptors’ mascot Wednesday.

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It’s no longer Toronto the good when one community is systematically targeted with hate because they are Jewish. 

“This is Toronto,” tweeted Michael Levitt, CEO of Friends of Simon Weisenthal Centre.

There is no running from it.

“Hate being peddled on our streets. Local schools being vandalized. Mezuzahs being torn off Jewish homes. Threats against Jews and Jewish businesses.”

He’s right.

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You heard about the 1930s-Berlin style heckling of a Jewish-owned Toronto restaurant.

But that was not an isolated incident of anti-Semitism in the city this week. From a Star of David stamped with an image of blood pouring on it to pro-Palestinian hecklers showing up in Jewish neighbourhoods to allegedly intimidate homeowners, the city is in a dark place right now. 

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“I’m going to repeat myself, please don’t be silent! Raise your voice and condemn this wave of vile anti- Semitism,” said Levitt.

No one is quite sure where this goes or what to do about it.

The “Glory To Our Martyrs” vigil  — planned for Wednesday night in the park on the north side of Queen’s Park — shows protesters are pushing the envelope. A “Glory to Martyrs” message is not a peaceful sentiment at any time, let alone when Israel is at war with Hamas after the Oct. 7th attacks that saw 1,400 Jewish people slaughtered and 200 more kidnapped. 

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“There should be no place in our society for the glorification of murderers who kidnap children and invade civilian communities to commit a massacre of 1,400 people,” the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) said on X. “At a time of rising anti-Semitism, such an event is not only inappropriate but dangerous. These celebrations of terror must be condemned!” 

Pro-Palestine organizers have held many demonstrations since Oct. 7, but this is the first referencing Palestinian martyrs, which many say is pushing or crossing the line. 

“No one should be allowed to glorify and promote terrorism in this country,” said PC MPP Robin Martin on X. “If there is no law that prevents it, then there should be. If this is not the wilful promotion or incitement of hatred against a group or community, I do not know what is.” 

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Retired Conservative senator Linda Frum noted that in 2015, Prime Minister Stephen Harper “tried to make it a crime to glorify and promote terrorism,” but Prime Minister Justin “Trudeau blocked his efforts and here we are.

“There exists no law in Canada to prevent this orgy of celebration for the beheading of babies and the rape and execution of little girls,” said Frum.

The narrative advanced by pro-Palestinians is one of moral equivalency. However, Trudeau and Canada’s  Defence Minister Bill Blair are among those who have declared that Israel has the right to defend itself.

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There have been numerous incidents of vandalism in which anti-Semitic graffiti has been splashed on a Liberal MP’s office, provincial NDP Leader Marit Stiles’ office and on city-owned property.

Things are so concerning that Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Michael Ford acknowledged the threat on X, saying “we know that the recent rise in incidents of hate has many people feeling concerned” and are “extending the deadline for the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant.” The  $12.75-million grant program provides funds to eligible faith-based, First Nations, and cultural groups.

Imagine that! Ontario Jews have to apply for grants to protect themselves.

Meanwhile, with so many young people indoctrinated with anti-Jewish sentiment, B’nai Brith Canada was asking the Toronto District School Board how Jewish staff and students will be protected during Thursday’s planned walkout in support of Palestine?

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When it came to the martyrs rally, the vandalism and the incidents of intimidation now being investigated by Toronto Police, Mayor Olivia Chow had not commented as of Wednesday afternoon. On X she had posted pictures of herself with the Raptors’ mascot to promote the team’s upcoming season. 

Everyone has the right to peacefully protest at the legislature,” insisted Michael Mostyn, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, referring to the rally. “But the legislature has already decreed that hatefests of this nature are not welcome on its grounds.”

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In Toronto the once good, things are escalating with each day, with those pushing an anti-Israeli agenda going unchallenged.

It’s their city now and they seem to be in charge with no repercussions. Toronto’s Jewish citizens understand what that means. 

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