For Immediate Release
Toronto, September 13, 1996... Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, and well-known exponent of virulent anti-Jewish bigotry, has been scheduled to speak in Toronto, this Sunday, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Executive Vice-President Frank Dimant released the following statement: “On the eve of the Jewish New Year, as we are preparing to pray for peace for all humankind, we are hurt and outraged that Farrakhan, with his long and destructive history of bigotry and anti-Semitism, has been invited to our city, where so many are working so hard to fight racism and injustice. In the past we have been horrified by Farrakhan's continual repetition of the age-old myths of Jewish conspiracy and his hate propaganda linking Jewish people with the Devil. He has promoted violent war against Jews, Catholics, whites and blacks who do not agree with his views. Anyone who promotes hatred and violence against ANY group should not be allowed to spread such venom in Canada. It is against the law. It is important for our government institutions, indeed all Canadians to uphold our commitment to freedom from hatred and persecution of minorities.”
Rochelle Wilner, National Chair of the League for Human Rights of B'nai Brith Canada: “While it is important to increase self-reliance and self-esteem of oppressed black people by providing positive community programs, any leader who enhances his power by scapegoating others must be exposed. We are working with our colleagues in the anti-racist community to build even stronger bridges between the Jewish community and the black community. We will not allow one man and his hatred to stand between us.”
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