Posted by: canada
« on: January 14, 2024, 05:11:50 pm »https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/three-anti-israel-protesters-arrested-for-defying-bridge-demo-ban
Anti-Israel protesters strike Joly's home; three arrested for defying Toronto bridge protest ban
Anti-Israel protesters strike Joly's home; three arrested for defying Toronto bridge protest ban
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Anti-Israel protesters once again attempted to occupy the Avenue Road overpass in Toronto on Saturday
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced last week that demonstrations would no longer be permitted on the bridge, and that future protesters would face arrest.
Despite that warning, protesters began arriving at the overpass — located amid Toronto’s largest Jewish neighbourhoods — Saturday morning, where police were waiting.
The Avenue Road bridge is located in Canada’s largest and most diverse Jewish communities, within a kilometre of nine synagogues and several Jewish businesses, homes, schools, daycares and community centres. Protesters and their advocates insist the demonstrations are meant to inform rather than intimidate.
Protesters on the bridge were seen carrying signs depicting Adolf Hitler and related Nazi imagery.
Jewish residents have said they felt intimidated and harassed by the protests.
Anti-Israel activists soon began picketing outside of Jewish-owned businesses and community centres, and targeting politicians they perceive as being pro-Israel.
Protesters set up a noisy demonstration outside of the Montreal home of Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly on Saturday morning, a day after she issued a government statement that rejected the claims by South Africa at a UN court accusing Israel of “genocide.”
About three-dozen protesters appeared at Joly’s home, setting up a tent as well as a loud speaker, and accused her of complicity with thealleged“genocide.”
Anti-Israel demonstrators were expected to disrupt a number of events on Sunday.
A Toronto anti-Israel group planned to sabotage a Sunday afternoon family ice skate at Mel Lastman Square, hosted by Toronto City Councillor Lily Cheng, Liberal MP Ali Ehsassi and Ontario PC MPP Stan Cho.
Anti-Israel protesters were also expected to disrupt a vigil marking the 100th day of Israeli hostages being held captive by Hamas, scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Sunday at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto.
Two anti-Israel groups were also planning a 4 p.m. rally at the Israeli consulate at Bloor and Yonge streets.
In addition, starting at 7:30 p.m., a rally of community leaders and politicians in support of Israel will take place at Toronto’s Congregation Habonim to mark the hostages’ 100 days of captivity, near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue.