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Pro-terror sympathies undermine respect for Canadian law, says B’nai Brith CanadaPosted On 08/15/06
Pro-terror sympathies undermine respect for Canadian law, says B’nai Brith Canada
TORONTO, August 15, 2006 – B’nai Brith Canada has reiterated its concern over the increasingly open displays of sympathy for terrorist groups on our city streets. Virulently anti-Israel manifestations such as this weekend’s burning of an Israeli flag by cheering crowds at a supposedly pro-peace rally held in Toronto, should be taken as a precursor of future extremist activity if left unchecked, says the Jewish human rights group.
“We have noted an alarming trend whereby elements within Canadian society are openly challenging Canadian law to express support for terrorist groups like Hezbollah that are banned in this country,” said Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada.
“We are concerned by the statement of Ali Mallah, Vice-President of the Canadian Arab Federation – Ontario Region, who has expressed open defiance for Canada’s laws by challenging the government’s ban of Hezbollah. He did so in a very public venue on a popular Toronto radio program, apparently without considering the implications of the terrorism that he appeared to be condoning. We also heard last week the joint statement by the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada and the group Muslims Against Terrorism, which in one breath condemned the alleged terrorism plot discovered by UK authorities, while at the same time characterizing it as a trumped-up plot to deflect attention away from events in Lebanon. The groups alleged that the plot was dreamt up by ‘Neo Cons’, which is often used as code for Jews.
“We have requested an urgent meeting with Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair as well as relevant federal authorities. We are recommending that loopholes in the existing anti-terrorism legislation be closed to prohibit the kind of glorification of terrorism that we are currently seeing. Such pro-terror sympathies must be addressed immediately, lest Canada’s multicultural values of tolerance and respect be eroded.”
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For further information contact, Karen Lazar, Communications Director:
416-633-6224 X 140 (office) / 647-999-9835 (cell)
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the Jewish community’s
foremost human rights organization
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