For Immediate Release
(Toronto, June 23, 1999...) A prayer vigil on behalf of 13 Iranian Jews arrested on allegations of espionage will be held at noon this Friday, June 25, at Metro Square, 55 John Street in Toronto. Arranged by the Institute for International Affairs of B’nai Brith Canada, this event will launch several days of protest, prayer and appeal across the nation, representing the collective anxiety of the entire community regarding the welfare of the captives.
The detainees, including a boy of only 16, were arrested three months ago and have been denied family visits and legal representation. Influential figures in Iran have publicly called for their execution, even though they have not yet been brought to trial and no details have been released as to the exact charges against them. “Our hearts go out to the 13 captives for the ordeal they must be suffering during their cruel and unjust detention”, stated Dr. Lawrence Hart, President, B’nai Brith Canada. “Despite numerous appeals by world leaders and human rights organizations, Iran is silent about their welfare.”
Rochelle Wilner, Chair of the Institute for International Affairs, commented, “As a community of individuals bound together in the struggle for human rights, we are compelled to act in solidarity with the captives in whatever way we can. We can no longer remain silent while the minimum standards of due process and international human rights law are flouted in the eyes of the world.”
Frank Dimant, Executive Vice-President, added: “Community leaders, political representatives and human rights activists will join in a prayer vigil led by our Rabbinic leadership, which will culminate in the blowing of the Shofar, a symbolic call for freedom that will echo an appeal for the release of the captives.”
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B'nai Brith Canada is Canadian Jewry's senior volunteer service and advocacy organization.
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