Thousands of people have gathered at Mel Lastman Square in solidarity with Israel in the aftermath of a weekend of violence in the Middle East.
"We call for the hostages who were seized in this vile, horrific attack to be released immediately," said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, speaking at the rally organized by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. "We unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack by Hamas. And let me be very clear, as the Prime Minster has been: the glorification of terror has no place in Canada. That is not who we are. That is not what Canada is.
Participants waved flags and held signs saying “stand with the Palestinian resistance” while chanting “Palestine will be free.” Multiple participants told CP24 the attacks and continued violence is their people’s attempt to stand against an occupation of their land. “While the Toronto Police Service will be present to ensure lawful demonstrations, we want to be very, very clear that we will not tolerate intimidation, harassment or hate motivated behavior aimed at specific communities,” Pogue said. “Our city has experienced hundreds of lawful and peaceful demonstrations over the last year, and we are hopeful that will be the same today.”
Tensions in the local Jewish community have been high following the surprise attack by Hamas, which came on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot over the weekend. The attack saw militants storm into Israel, killing young people at a music festival and families in their homes and also hauling away girls and elderly people to Gaza as hostages.Around 900 Israelis and 500 Palestinians have been killed since the attacks began on Saturday morning.
Two city councillors — Brad Bradford and James Pasternak — also called for the unpermitted Nathan Phillips Square demonstration to be blocked In a statement posted to social media, Mayor Olivia Chow said that Monday’s pro-Palestinian rally was an unsanctioned event in support of Hamas and she condemned it.
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