TORONTO – B’nai Brith Canada has just learned that the Ontario government’s Sergeant at Arms has agreed to issue a permit clearing the way for an “Al-Quds Rally” to take place once again on Queen’s Park grounds on Saturday August 18, 2012. The permit was granted despite concerns brought to Premier McGuinty’s attention by a number of groups including B’nai Brith Canada.
Frank Dimant, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada noted, "It is simply not appropriate for the government to shield the identity of the organization behind this public rally given the sad history of prior organizers allowing speakers to monger hate. The "Al-Quds" organizers have taken great steps to keep their identities hidden from the public, and in the name of privacy, the government will not disclose their identities, despite the very public nature of this event.
”Given last year’s demonstration where hateful remarks were made by speakers and organizers who singled out Ontario’s Jewish community for contempt, such a rally has no place at the seat of Ontario’s government. Since the event is in fact a jihadist call to action for the destruction of the Jewish State of Israel and its transformation into one ruled by Islamist Sharia law, the very concept of marking “Al-Quds Day” is offensive to the principles Ontarians live by.
"Considering this rally is held on public grounds, transparency is required in order to hold the organizers to account."
