Hate Crimes
Recent Hate Crimes Against the Jewish Community in Toronto and Vaughan
Mr Bernie Farber,
Executive Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario Region
Dear Mr. Farber:
The recent hate crimes against the Jewish community in Toronto and
Vaughan, Ontario are a shocking reminder of how vigilant we must be
when it comes to human rights. We must vigorously denounce such acts
and the hatred that underlies them. I stand with all New Democrats in
condemning all acts of anti-Semitism.
Having lived in the High Park area for many years, news that some the
acts of hatred took place right in this community provokes sadness and
anger.
Recently, an Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents 2003 was released. This
audit noted a 27.5% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Canada
compared to the previous year’s audit. More disturbingly the report
noted anti-Semitic incidents in Canada have doubled since 2001. These
statistics are alarming and unacceptable.
Our strength as a society has been to bring Canadians of diverse ethnic
backgrounds together to create an open and constructive dialogue on how
best to foster a society where no citizen is harassed or marginalized.
Leaders from every community must stand up and be counted. Silence and
inaction, in the face of such attacks, implies consent. This would not
only be an injustice to Canadians and Canadian values, but also to
citizens in every corner of the international community.
The New Democratic Party under the leadership of Jack Layton will
continue to build bridges between communities. I extend my deepest
sympathy to the victims of these senseless crimes and reaffirm my
commitment to helping build a Canada where no Canadian lives in fear,
and to speak out against all forms of hatred and discrimination.
In Solidarity,
Peggy Nash,
NDP Candidate for Parkdale-High Park
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