Vaughan mayor denounces Islamophobia, anti-Semitism as pro-Palestine, pro-Israel protesters verbally clash

York Regional Police officers stood between 2 groups of protesters

Thestar.com
May 19, 2021
Dina Al-Shibeeb

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua denounced "hate of any kind" after pro-Palestine protesters clashed with pro-Israel protestors May 16.

The protest, which took place at Thornhill’s Jaffari Community Centre, saw York Regional Police positioning themselves between the two groups of protesters.

Video of the incident on Twitter shows a woman with the Israeli flag wrapped around her yelling at the pro-Palestine protesters to "get out of this country", and calling them inflammatory names.

In reaction, Bevilacqua tweeted, "Tonight, I spoke with representatives of the Jaffari Community Centre in Thornhill about today’s protest. Our community will not tolerate Islamophobia or hate of any kind."

"We strongly condemn discrimination and abuse in a city where everyone is respected and valued," he continued. "We embrace our vibrant, diverse and progressive reality."

Before his two tweets, Bevilacqua shared an online statement, describing how Vaughan, home to one of the largest Jewish communities outside Israel, continues to stand up against all forms of discrimination, hatred and anti-Semitism.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Middle East as the conflict escalates," he wrote.

"The unthinkable violence unfolding is felt here in our neighbourhoods and especially as families come together to mark the beginning of (Jewish holiday) Shavuot.

"We embrace our differences and promote respect for all," he said.

The recent violence that has erupted in Israel and Palestine is the latest in a decades-long conflict between the two nations over citizens’ rights and control of land, including East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank.

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The video was shared by Mustafa Farooq, CEO of the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

"Anti-Semitism is unacceptable. Islamophobia is unacceptable. Let’s be better folks," he wrote.

Farooq also urged police to "investigate all reports of violence and hate directed at any Canadian".

York Regional Police Const. Laura Nicolle said there weren't any major investigations stemming from the protests.

Police didn't take any side and were only there for management of the situation, she said.