For Immediate Release
(Toronto, June 25, 1999...) By Daniel Horowitz and Ruth Klein - At 12 noon today the quiet hum of downtown Toronto was pierced by the chilling sounds of the Shofar in an emotional noon time prayer vigil on behalf of the 13 Iranian Jews arrested on charges of espionage. Held at Toronto’s bustling Metro Square, representatives from all streams of the Toronto Jewish community were joined by representatives of the Ontario Government, the Liberal Party, human rights activists, and crowds of interested onlookers who participated in fervent prayers and passionate appeals for the welfare and release of the prisoners.
The sombre sight of thirteen empty chairs beckoned to the crowd. The chairs were labeled with the names each of the thirteen captives, one of whom is only 16 years old. Thirteen Psalms (Tehilim) were recited for the captives, as well as other Jewish prayers that are traditionally said in times of grave danger while lives are at stake.
“Why have the various media been largely silent on this matter?” asked Frank Dimant in a passionate appeal, Executive Vice-President of B¹nai Brith Canada. “I’ll tell you why,” he continued, “it’s because the media is waiting for that perfect photo opportunity. You know the one they’re waiting for the one of the 13 Jews hanging from the gallows. Those here today are committed to ensuring that this does not happen. Prayer and political action will be the order of the day. We must move Iran into the 21st century. There is no room for antisemitism heading into the new millennium,” concluded Mr. Dimant.
Rochelle Wilner, Chair of the Institute for International Affairs, reminded the participants that “those who are fortunate to live in a country such as Canada and take freedom for granted, must take even more responsibility to ensure the freedom of religious minorities.”
David Matas, the noted international human rights lawyer who was active in the struggle to obtain the release of such Prisoners of Conscience as Nelson Mandela, emphasized that “these arrests are definitely a human rights violation. Human rights activists in Iran need the support of all of us around the world to help them in their struggle.”
The prayer vigil, arranged by the Institute for International Affairs of B’nai Brith Canada, launched a series of Canada-wide prayer vigils and rallies slated for this coming week.
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B'nai Brith Canada is Canadian Jewry's senior volunteer service and advocacy organization.
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