Councillor James Pasternak Condemns Al Quds Day Hate Rally and Asks for Enforcement of City of Toronto Hate Rallies Policy

Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6, York Centre is shocked and saddened that the Al Quds Day hate rally is taking place in Toronto this weekend.

“It is inconceivable that this unpermitted hate rally is once again coming to our city! No group featuring speakers calling for the destruction of Israel, denying the Holocaust and making racial slurs can have a place anywhere, especially in such a diverse and welcoming city as Toronto,” said Councillor Pasternak.

Councillor Pasternak works tirelessly to stop hate rallies such as Al Quds Day in Toronto. In May 2019, City Council adopted a Hate Rallies Policy directing City staff to:

• Refuse permits for any events advocating hatred or violence against any faith, race, or sexual orientation on City property;
• Ensure increased monitoring of hate rallies in City of Toronto parks;
• Charge hate rally event organizers for operating without a permit and issue trespass warnings;
• Obtain reimbursement from organizers of events engaged in hate activities on City property for all City-incurred expenses.

“I call on the City of Toronto staff and the Toronto Police Service to enforce the City’s Hate Rally Policy immediately and to act to protect the Jewish community from this hate. We all saw the explosion of Jew hatred on our streets last year. This has to end. There should be no more appalling display of racism and incitement of violence anywhere in Toronto,” said Councillor Pasternak.

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Councillor James Pasternak
416-392-1371 | councillor_pasternak@toronto.ca