Toronto protest: “From the river to the sea Palestine will be free”

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Palestine House anti-Israel protest in Toronto September 13, 2020

On September 13, 2020 The Palestinian Canadian Community Centre – Palestine House held an anti-Israel demonstration at Dundas Square in Toronto.

Here is Palestine House’s statement:

A group of Palestinian youth are organizing this protest in Toronto on Sunday [September 13, 2020]! We’re supporting it and encourage those who can make it to go. We’re glad to see that concern about Bill 168 is growing in our community. Bill 168 includes the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. If it passes in the Ontario Legislature, it would have a chilling effect on free speech for Palestinian rights and solidarity with Palestine. It must be stopped. #Bill168 #NoIHRA #IHRA #antisemitism #Palestine

Independent Jewish Voices Canada, that dubs itself a “Palestine solidarity group,” issued the following statement on the demonstration:

If you’re in Toronto, come out to support this demo against #Bill168 & the #IHRA definition of antisemitism, which seeks to silence and censor Palestine solidarity organizing! This event is organized by Palestinian youth in Toronto, and endorsed by Palestine House (@palestiniancanadians) #NoIHRA #onpoli

A few dozens of pro-Palestine young activists participated in the demonstration. Hammam Farah, a board member of the Palestine House and the co-founder of Students Against Israeli Apartheid (SAIA) at York University, was also in attendance.

The protesters chanted “Free free Palestine” and “From the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterranean] Sea Palestine will be free” and held signs that read:

  • Israel commits humanitarian violations [Image of Israel’s flag crossed out]
  • 50+ years of occupation
  • Boycott Israel BDS [Image of Israel’s flag crossed out]
  • IHRA definition prevents free speech
  • Oppose Bill 168. Anti-Zionism does not mean anti-Semitism
  • Free Palestine
  • Occupation + cooperation = profit making