Ontario MPPs sent FSWC statements condemning Al Quds Day at Queen's Park on June 24, 2017

MPP Lisa MacLeod (Nepean—Carleton):

“As the Ontario PC Anti-Racism Secretariat Critic, Istrongly oppose and condemn Al Quds Day and any other events that are designedto oppose the existence of Israel.

I have proudly defended Israel and Ontario’s vibrant Jewishcommunity in the Ontario Legislature and I have often disavowed the BDSmovement and other intolerant and anti-Semitic acts directed toward them. As is the case with the Al Quds Day event at Queen’s Park, I once again feelcompelled to speak out in support of the state of Israel and reject the hatedirected toward our Jewish citizens.

At the Ontario Legislature it is imperative that we as MPP’sstand up and express our rejection of hatred of any kind in our province,including anti-Semitism.

As a member of the legislature I have been committed tochampioning inclusion for all marginalized communities and will continue tofight for the rights of those who are victims of hate and violence. In orderfor Ontario to be a truly diverse and welcoming space for all those who callthis province home, I call on all MPPs to condemn this divisive and harmfulevent.

It is my hope that the Sergeant-At-Arms will disallow hatespeech on the premises of Ontario’s seat of Parliament.”

MPP Gila Martow (Thornhill):

“It is with great urgency that I once again write tocall public attention to the repeated demand of a group of public citizensplanning to stage a deeply offensive and racist demonstration on the grounds ofQueen’s Park.

The annual Al Quds Day tradition was initiatedin 1979 by Ayatollah Khomeini to endorse and promote the destruction of boththe Israeli State and Jewish people worldwide. In recent years, organizers andparticipants attending Al Quds Day rallies around the world have been heardchanting slogans that perpetuate obscene sentiments against the Jewish people.Others have been observed waving placards and flags that signify support forthe designated terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

Regretfully, Al Quds Day has been celebrated for severalyears on the grounds of the Provincial Legislature - the very institution thatacts to protect the rights and dignity of each and every single Ontarian,regardless of religion, creed, sexual orientation, or ancestry. While thespirit of Queen’s Park seeks to encourage and foster healthy democraticdiscussion, any group that promotes violence and hate should not be grantedpermission to gather on the Legislature grounds nor the premises of anyProvincial or Federal Institution.

I realize that to officials at Queen’s Park, there isa distinction between granting permission to gather on the concrete pavilioninstead of spontaneously gathering in the Park. I believe more needs done toprevent hateful gatherings at either location. In light of recent tragic eventsaround the world, I urge you to do more to condemn hateful messages that havehistorically lead to the incitement of violence.”

MPP Mike Harris (Kitchener—Conestoga):

“I’d liketo join my many colleagues and friends in speaking out against Al Quds Day andall other events promoting hatred against our Jewish community and opposing theexistence of Israel.

Anti-Semitismis an unfortunate reality in Ontario and I will continue to oppose intolerantand anti-Semitic acts at every opportunity. As is the case with the proposalfor Al Quds Day to take place on the grounds of the Queen’s Park, I reiteratemy support for our Jewish communities, and my rejection of hatred directed atthem.

Jewishcitizens across Ontario have enriched our Province by promoting diversity andcultural understanding, and they deserve our support in combating displays ofanti-Semitism and hatred. I join with them to denounce this divisive displayproposed for our Ontario Legislature grounds.

I amhopeful that the Sergeant-At-Arms will agree with myself and others, and refusethe request for use of the Queen’s Park grounds for Al Quds Day.”

MPP Sam Oosterhoff (Niagara West—Glanbrook):

“While freedom of assembly is the right of every Ontario resident, I condemn the divisive and intolerant anti-Israel Al Quds Day event at Queen's Park.

I stand with Ontario's proud Jewish community in opposing the anti-Semitic and hateful sentiments expressed at Al Quds Day gatherings. We must always be vigilant in rejecting hatred and discrimination targeting Ontarians of any background.”

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MPP Mike Colle (Eglinton-Lawrence):

"I am writing to express my condemnation of the actions of the Al-Quds group as this group promotes violence towards the Jewish community here in Toronto and around the world.

Toronto is home to people from many different countries, each with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. We must ensure that all of the people who have made Toronto their home feel safe and welcome. As an MPP, it is my job to represent the people of my riding and I can say with great certainty that many members of my constituency feel threatened by this group and its supporters.

While our system of democracy allows for freedom of speech and freedom of gatherings, the use of the grounds of the Ontario Legislature by such groups or organisations that foster hatred or intolerance should not be allowed.

It is my understanding that the Premier’s Office has confirmed with the Speaker’s Office that no permit has been issued for the Al-Quds organisation to gather on the grounds of Queen’s Park."