Toronto Company Promotes Antisemitism, Glorifies Terrorism in Online Posts

July 2, 2020

Media Release

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Toronto (July 2, 2020) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is appalled by a series of antisemitic posts and posts glorifying terrorism shared on social media by a Toronto company, including a recent post that used the hashtag #zionistsnotwelcome.

Other posts by the company Foodbenders, located on Bloor Street in Toronto’s West End, include the false claim that "police brutality is an Israeli export"; a supportive image of convicted terrorist and plane hijacker Leila Khaled; glorification of terrorism and the destruction of Israel with hashtags such as #fromtherivertothesea and #intifada; and the antisemitic claim that "Zionists are Nazis." The company also recently placed a sign outside its store in support of a Palestinian man killed last week while committing what appears to have been a terrorist attack against Israeli soldiers.

"By stating that Zionists are not welcome to its store, this business is basically stating that Jewish people are not welcome. This is clear antisemitism, extremely discriminatory and unacceptable," said Rabbi Meyer May, Executive Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

"It is absolutely shameful that any business would show support for violence against the Jewish people or to suggest that Jews are not welcome as customers," said Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, Director of FSWC's Campaign Against Antisemitism. "We urge all city leaders to speak out and condemn this and any other hatred taking place in our city."

FSWC has been in touch with the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit, which is aware of the situation.