For Immediate Release
Toronto, July 14, 2002: Months of escalating antisemitic violence in the Middle East, worldwide, and in Canada boiled over with the killing of a 49 year old father of six — a bearded, Kippah wearing Jew — by attackers whom witnesses described as skinheads and neo Nazis.
Rochelle Wilner, President of B’nai Brith Canada, extended the condolences of the organization to the bereaved family. “Our hearts go out to the wife and children of the victim (whose family has asked to remain unnamed at this point). Too many Jewish families have lost too many loved ones in this widening global war on Jews, Israelis, and their interests. Israel, France, Russia, the US, and now Canada. It seems to be open season on Jews here and elsewhere. This terrible crime is the fruit of Durban, of an irrresponsible press, and an indifferent international community. The message — ‘It’s OK to attack a Jew. They deserve it… ’ This is the new antisemitism.”
Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President demanded action. “When they were shouting ‘Kill The Jews!!’ at rallies on Bloor St., B’nai Brith Canada warned the police and the community that that brazen call would be heard in some hate filled corners of the city. This has, to our great sorrow, come to pass. We commend the police on their rapid apprehension of a suspect. But he was not alone, and the instigators of hate and murder in this city remain untouched. We call on the police to step up their excellent intelligence work, and to take whatever steps are necessary to protect the Jewish community of Toronto. As we have been doing for the last 6 months, we again call upon the Prime Minister to issue a clear statement denouncing antisemitism, and indicating that Canadians will not tolerate it in any shape or form.”
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For further comment contact Rochelle Wilner at (416) 254 1010 or Frank Dimant at (416) 802 1057
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.
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