The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Applauds Queen's Park for Refusing Permit for Al-Quds Day

OTTAWA, Aug. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) received a letter from the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Ontario Legislature confirming that the annual Al-Quds Day protest has been refused a permit to hold its event at Queen's Park - originally scheduled for this Saturday - for reasons of "public safety".

In 2011, CIJA videotaped the Al-Quds Day protest held on the Legislature's grounds. Speakers accused Israelis of being "racist", "inhuman", and "barbarians" who "suck the resources and blood from people all around the world" - statements reminiscent of historic antisemitism. One speaker went so far as to refer to Israel as a cancer that must be killed. Footage also showed protestors displaying the image of the Ayatollah Khomeini (who created Al-Quds Day in 1979) as well as the flag of Hezbollah, a banned terrorist organization.

CIJA provided this video evidence directly to the Sergeant-at-Arms, who manages security and event permits at Queen's Park. For the past two years, CIJA has been in regular contact with the Sergeant-at-Arms, making the case for appropriate action to ensure that the Legislature's grounds are not abused as a venue to showcase such vile rhetoric.

Upon receipt of today's letter, Shimon Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

"We applaud the Sergeant-at-Arms for refusing to grant a permit to the organizers of Al-Quds Day. We know that this decision was not taken lightly, but reflected serious deliberation and analysis of the video evidence CIJA captured in 2011. Just as we must preserve freedom of speech, we must ensure that Ontario's Legislature - a symbol of our freedoms - is never exploited as a platform for an event that glorifies terrorism and promotes antisemitism.

"Given their reckless record, the organizers of Al-Quds Day may very well reject the Sergeant-at-Arms' ruling and proceed without authorization. In light of this possibility, we ask that the Legislature take appropriate measures this weekend to uphold its decision." 

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.

To view video footage of the 2011 Al-Quds Day protest at Queen's Park, click here.

SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
[email protected]
416-953-4417